British Surname Breckon

Surnames (family names) came into regular use in Engalnd after the Norman Conquest of 1066. They are frequently derived from (a) an occupation, e.g. Archer, Butcher, Fletcher, Cooper (b) a locality (habitational or toponymic), e.g. London, Oldham or (c) a topographic feature, e.g. Hill, Bywater.

The Global distribution of Breckon implies it is a surname of English speaking peoples with the majority located in England. The British distribution suggests it has a probable origin in Yorkshire. Other habitational origins have been suggested such as the Welsh city of Brecon, the Scottish city of Brechin and the hamlet of Breckon on the north coast of Yell.

Links to 4 possible toponymic origins for the Breckon surname.

Brecknock

Brecon

There is a commmonly held assuption that Breckon is a habitational surname associated with either the Welsh town of Brecon or the county of Brecknockshire, now Powys.

Brechin

The phonetic similarity between Breckon and Brechin has suggested an alternative habitational origin. The first recorded use of Brechin as a surname dates to 1178.

Breckon

Yell, Shetland

A hamlet on the north coast of Yell, part of the Scottish archepelago of the Shetland Islands, bears the name Breckon. The adjacent bay is known as Breckon Sands

Yorkshire

North Riding

Surname denisty maps suggest a strong association between Breckon and the North Riding of Yorkshire. Domesday Book records a place name near Whitby from which Breckon may be derived.