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Braun History Early Origins Early History Spelling Variations Early Notables World Ranking

Ireland United States Canada New Zealand

Contemporary Notables Related Stories Motto Suggested Reading Citations

Braun History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Germany
Ireland
Scotland

Braun is a name whose history dates possibly as far back as 1066 when the Normans first arrived in Britain following their Conquest of the island. It was a name for a person who has brown hair or brown eyes, or dresses habitually in brown. 1

The name springs from similar roots in Old English, Old English, Old Norse, Old French, Old German. It is also possible that a given instance of the name is derived from a short form of an Old English personal name such as Brunwine or Brungar.

Early Origins of the Braun family

The surname Braun was first found in Cumberland, where the Braun family held a family seat and claim descent from Le Brun in Normandy, who was granted many estates there soon after the Conquest. However, many of the family remained in Normandy where Gilbert and William le Brun were listed in 1185 according to the Magni Rotuli Scaccarii Normanniae. 2

"This ancient and wide-spreading name, which occurs in early writings in a great variety of forms, as Le Brun, de Bron, Broun, Brune, Brunn, &c., stands 50th on the Battle Roll, and has the peculiar distinction of having produced twenty-one different families in the United Kingdom, who have received from the Sovereign hereditary titles of Nobility." 3

"As Le Brun or Brunnus, it frequently occurs in the Norman Exchequer Rolls of the twelfth century, and is several times written in Domesday Book. William le Brun held in Suffolk; and Bruno (perhaps the same) in Warwickshire: besides "Brun Presbyter" in Oxfordshire. 4

"Of these, the most considerable-that of the Viscounts Montague-was an offset of the great Norman house of La Ferte, who held the barony of La Ferte (now La Ferte Fresnel) near Evreux. Hugh de la Ferte is mentioned by Wace at Hastings. Richard de la Ferte accompanied Robert of Normandy to Palestine in 1096, and his youngest son, Gamel, surnamed Le Brun (according to family tradition to distinguish him from a brother called Le Blond), settled in Cumberland, where he had baronial grants from Waldeve FitzGospatric, and his descendants long flourished, the name gradually changing to Broyne, Broun, or Browne." 4

Some of the family were found at early times at Tacolneston in Norfolk where they held estates. "The Hall, a fine brick mansion, is a good specimen of the domestic style prevalent in the 17th century; it is said to have been built in 1670, by the Browne family, who then held the estate." 5

Another branch was found in the parish of Thrigby, again in Norfolk. "The principal part [of Thrigby] belongs to Thomas Browne, Esq., who resides at the Hall, a neat mansion of white brick." 5

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 eludes to the use of the name in a variety of early spelling and as a forename and surname: Brun Ednth, Salop; Matilda relicta Brun, Oxfordshire; and Brune relicta Johannis, Cambridgeshire; Hugh le Brun, Suffolk; Robert le Brun, Buckinghamshire; and Johanna la Brune, Oxfordshire. 6

Up north in Scotland, the family are generally though to have migrated there from Cumberland. "Gamel, son of Brun came into possession of Bothel (now Boode) in the time of Henry I (1100-1135). Gilchrist, son of Bruun witnessed a charter by R. son of Dunegal to the Hospital of S. Peter of York c. 1136, Patric Brun witnessed resignation of land of Weremundebi (Warmanbie in Annandale) and Anant between 1194-1214. Ricardus Brun witnessed a charter by Ebrardus de Penkathleht (Pencaitland near Edinburgh) to the church of S. Cuthbert of Durham in the reign of William the Lion. Several individuals of this name are recorded in the thirteenth century, but what connection, if any, existed between them is not known." 7

Early History of the Braun family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Braun research. Another 99 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1317, 1339, 1439, 1443, 1506, 1598, 1605, 1610, 1616, 1626, 1634, 1641, 1642, 1659, 1660, 1661, 1668, 1669, 1682, 1684, 1685, 1688, 1690, 1702, 1721, 1735 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Braun History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Braun Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence in the eras before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate regularly changed the spellings of their names as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Braun have been found, including Brown, Broun, Brun and others.

Early Notables of the Braun family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Sir Anthony Browne (1443-1506), during the reign of King Henry VII, he was Standard Bearer of England, Governor of Queenborough Castle, and Constable of Calais; Sir Richard Browne, 1st Baronet (ca. 1610-1669), English Major-General in the English Parliamentary Army during the English Civil War and later Lord Mayor of London; Sir Thomas Browne (1605-1682), an English author; Francis Browne, 3rd Viscount Montagu (1610-1682); Sir Richard Browne, 1st Baronet of Deptford (ca. 1605-1682), an English ambassador to the court of France at Paris from 1641 to 1660; Sir Richard Browne, 2nd Baronet (ca.1634-1684), English...
Another 116 words (8 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Braun Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Braun World Ranking

In the United States, the name Braun is the 1,149^th most popular surname with an estimated 27,357 people with that name. 8 However, in Canada, the name Braun is ranked the 566^th most popular surname with an estimated 8,726 people with that name. 9 And in France, the name Braun is the 957^th popular surname with an estimated 5,482 people with that name. 10

Migration of the Braun family to Ireland

Some of the Braun family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 68 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Braun migration to the United States +

For many English families, the social climate in England was oppressive and lacked opportunity for change. For such families, the shores of Ireland, Australia, and the New World beckoned. They left their homeland at great expense in ships that were overcrowded and full of disease. Many arrived after the long voyage sick, starving, and without a penny. But even those were greeted with greater opportunity than they could have experienced back home. Numerous English settlers who arrived in the United States and Canada at this time went on to make important contributions to the developing cultures of those countries. Many of those families went on to make significant contributions to the rapidly developing colonies in which they settled. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name Braun were among those contributors:

Braun Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Hans Braun, who landed in New Netherland(s) in 1662 11
Marritje Hendricks Braun, who landed in New Netherland(s) in 1662 11
Samuel Braun, who arrived in Maryland in 1679 11

Braun Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Johannes Braun, who landed in America in 1708 11
Johan Jurg Braun, who arrived in New York in 1709 11
Johan Niklaas Braun, who arrived in New York in 1709 11
Paulus Braun, who landed in New Jersey in 1709 11
Jost Braun, who arrived in New York in 1709-1710 11
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Braun Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

William Braun, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1805 11
Francisco Braun, who landed in New Orleans, La in 1813 11
Elle Braun, who landed in North America in 1832-1849 11
Sebest Braun, who landed in North America in 1832-1849 11
E Braun, who landed in Baltimore, Maryland in 1834 11
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Braun Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Baltasar Braun, who arrived in New York, NY in 1902 11
Helena Braun, aged 7, who landed in New York, NY in 1902 11
Max Braun, aged 36, who landed in New York, NY in 1902 11
John Richard Braun, who arrived in Alabama in 1917 11

Braun migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Braun Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Joseph Braun, who arrived in Quebec in 1851
Jacob Braun, who landed in Manitoba in 1874
John Braun, who arrived in Manitoba in 1875
Abraham Braun, who arrived in Manitoba in 1875
Peter Braun, who landed in Manitoba in 1875
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Braun migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Braun Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Mr. John Braun, (b. 1837), aged 23, British schoolmaster travelling from London aboard the ship "Gananoque" arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 9th May 1860 12
Wilhelm Braun, aged 28, a labourer, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Steinwarder" in 1864
Henrietta Braun, aged 29, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Steinwarder" in 1864
Anna Braun, aged 3, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Steinwarder" in 1864
Louis Braun, aged 3 mths., who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Steinwarder" in 1864

Contemporary Notables of the name Braun (post 1700) +

Steven James "Steve" Braun (1959-2022), American businessman and politician, Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (2014-2017), Member of the Indiana House of Representatives (2012-2014)
Brigadier-General Gustav J. Jr. Braun (1895-1945), American Assistant Commanding General 34th Division (1944-1945) 13
Lilian Jackson Braun (1913-2011), American mystery writer
Richard L. Braun, American fighter pilot and flying ace in the U.S. Marine Corps, during World War II, credited with 5 aerial victories
Carol Moseley Braun (b. 1947), American Democratic Party politician, Member of Illinois State House of Representatives, 1979-88; U.S. Senator from Illinois, 1993-99; Defeated, 1998; Candidate for Mayor of Chicago, Illinois, 2011 14
Egidius Braun (1925-2022), German sports administrator, 8th President of the German Football Association from 1992 to 2001, awarded the Grand Cross with Star and Sash of the Bundesverdienstkreuz in 1985
Ernest Braun (1925-2015), Austrian-born, British scholar in technology policy and technology assessment, regarded as a European pioneer of social studies in science and technology
Brigadier-General Alfred Andr Braun (1886-1961), French Commanding Officer during World War II 15
Hermann Braun (1918-1945), American-born, German motion-picture actor, and the son of chamber singer Carl Braun
Carl Braun (1886-1960), famous German opera singer
... (Another 6 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

The Braun Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Floreat majestas
Motto Translation: Let majesty flourish

Citations +

Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
Burke, John Bernard, The Roll of Battle Abbey. London: Edward Churton, 26, Holles Street, 1848, Print.
Cleveland, Dutchess of The Battle Abbey Roll with some Account of the Norman Lineages. London: John Murray, Abermarle Street, 1889. Print. Volume 1 of 3
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
"Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
http://www.journaldesfemmes.com/nom-de-famille/nom/
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
Generals of World War II. (Retrieved 2011, November 3) Gustav Braun. Retrieved from http://generals.dk/general/Braun/Gustav_J._Jr./USA.html
The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, December 1) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html
Generals of World War II. (Retrieved 2011, October 3) Alfred Braun. Retrieved from http://generals.dk/general/Braun/Alfred-Andr%C3%A9/France.html