Brightwell is an English surname derived from Brightwell or a similar toponym. Notable people of the name include the following:
Emily Brightwell (born 1948), American writer Gary Brightwell (born 1999), American football player Matahi Brightwell (born 1952), New Zealand master carver and waka ama founder Robbie Brightwell (1939-2022), British athlete Thomas Brightwell, English academic administrator