Brent Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Brent come from? What does the surname Brent mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Brent and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Brent Origin: What does the last name Brent mean?
The surname Brent is of Old English origin and can be traced back to the early 13th century in England. It is derived from Celtic words meaning "holy one" or "high place", indicating that the name may have originated from a place called Brent. Over the centuries, the Brent surname has remained closely associated with England and has spread globally, with significant records found in the United States by the 20th century.
YourRoots data confirms the historical presence of the Brent surname in England from the 13th to the 17th centuries, with records also indicating its global spread over time. By the modern era, the Brent surname remains prominent in the United States, reflecting a long-standing history and heritage that has transcended borders and cultures.
Brent Last Name History: Where did the last name Brent come from?
Origin of Brent Surname: Where does the last name Brent originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Brent first appeared in records from England around the early 13th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Brent spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Brent: What does the Brent surname history look like in the early days?
The Brent surname remained closely associated with England from the 13th to the 17th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Brent family records in countries like the United States, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Brent surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Brent surname grew significantly in the United States. The Brent surname remains prominent in the United States.
Explore Brent last name heritage and Brent surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Brent Surame?
George Brent
George Brendan Nolan (March 15, 1904 – May 26, 1979) was an Irish-American actor known for his collaborations with Bette Davis in films like Jezebel and Dark Victory. Born in Ireland, he moved to the US during his youth and later pursued a successful stage, film, and television career. Nolan's work spanned multiple genres and studios, showcasing his versatility as an actor. His contributions to classic cinema have solidified his legacy as a talented performer in the golden age of Hollywood.
David Brent
David Brent (born March 13, 1962) is a fictional character portrayed by Ricky Gervais in the BBC television mockumentary series The Office. Brent is the bumbling and self-deluded general manager of the Slough branch of Wernham Hogg paper merchants. Known for his many idiosyncrasies and failed attempts at being loved by his employees, Brent's character provides comedic moments throughout the series. Despite his unlikeable nature, Brent's tragic loneliness and constant need for approval make him a sympathetic figure. The character has made appearances outside of The Office, including as a motivational speaker in a Microsoft campaign.
Evelyn Brent
Evelyn Brent (born Mary Elizabeth Riggs; October 20, 1895 – June 4, 1975) was an American film and stage actress known for her sultry looks. She starred in over two dozen silent films, including "The Last Command" (1928) alongside William Powell. Brent transitioned to sound films and continued to work in Hollywood, appearing in features such as "The Silver Horde" and "Paramount on Parade" (both 1930). After a career spanning more than 120 films, she retired in 1950 but made a brief return to television in 1960. Brent was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her contributions to the film industry.
Charles Brent
Charles Henry Brent (April 9, 1862 – March 27, 1929) was a prominent figure in the Episcopal Church, serving as the Missionary Bishop of the Philippine Islands, Chaplain General of the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I, and Bishop of the Diocese of Western New York. Known for his dedication to Christ and prophetic leadership, Brent was also a gifted scholar and athlete during his education in Ontario. His ministry was marked by his pastoral care and eloquent preaching, making him a respected figure in the church. Brent's spiritual formation with the Cowley Fathers in Boston greatly influenced his future work, shaping him into a dedicated servant of Christ.
River Brent
The River Brent is a famous river in west and northwest London, England, known for being a tributary of the River Thames. With a length of 17.9 miles, it flows in a generally south-west direction before joining the Thames at Brentford. The name "Brent" is believed to be related to the Celtic *brigant- meaning "high" or "elevated", possibly linked to the goddess Brigantia. The topography and geology of the Brent catchment area vary, with different formations like Eocene London Clay and Pleistocene deposits shaping the landscape. The Brent was formed as a result of the Anglian glaciation around 450,000 years ago, making it a much younger river compared to the Thames.
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