Bret
Bret Origin and Meaning
Bret as a feminine name is an uncommon gender variation of what is typically a masculine name. The masculine Bret (sometimes Brett) derives from Middle English, originally a surname meaning 'a Breton' or 'someone from Brittany, France.' When used for girls, Bret offers a short, strong-sounding alternative to more traditionally feminine names, making it an option for parents seeking gender-neutral naming choices. The feminine usage of Bret saw some limited popularity in the mid-20th century, possibly influenced by characters in literature or entertainment. The name's brevity gives it a direct, no-nonsense quality that contrasts with longer feminine names. As a crossover name, female Brets may experience occasional assumptions about their gender based solely on their name.