Britney

Britney is a shortened spelling of Brittany, the name of the region in northwestern France. As a personal name, it retains that geographical connection even though the middle syllable of the place name has disappeared from the spelling. Its history therefore differs from names created by joining two separate words or relatives’ names.

Singer Britney Spears made this particular spelling recognizable around the world. That association belongs specifically to Britney, while Brittany keeps the place-name spelling more visible. The two forms are often spoken similarly in English, so the distinction is chiefly on the page. Britney is a complete given name, rather than a nickname that must be expanded on formal occasions.