Breaky History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The name Breaky is part of the ancient legacy of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It is a product of when the family lived near a newly cultivated piece of land. The surname Breaky is derived from the Old English word bræc. 1

Early Origins of the Breaky family

The surname Breaky was first found in Shropshire where Peter de la Breche was listed in the Assize Rolls of 1221. A few years later, Peter de la Brach was listed in Surrey in 1248 and Philip atte Breche was found in the Subsidy Rolls for Sussex in 1296. Later again, Rose atte Brache was listed in the Subsidy Rolls for Bedfordshire in 1309. Robert le Brechere was listed at Oseney, Oxfordshire in 1245, while William le Brechere was found in Cornwall in 1297. 1

Early History of the Breaky family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Breaky research. Another 77 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Breaky History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Breaky Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Breaky has been spelled many different ways, including Breach, Brech, Britch, Breashears, Breashear and many more.

Early Notables of the Breaky family

More information is included under the topic Early Breaky Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Breaky family

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Breakys to arrive in North America: William Breach junior who settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1844; A. Breach arrived in San Francisco Cal. in 1852; Adam Brech arrived in Philadelphia in 1743.

Citations +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)