Bruhns History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

A variety of prominent surnames, such as the name Bruhns, were formed in the lands which became the modern German state of Prussia, known its beauty, industry and military power. However, in the medieval era, Prussia was fragmented and inhabited by numerous barbarian tribes, who fought amongst themselves for control of the land. The borders of the barbarian kingdoms, which were established after the fall of the Roman Empire, changed repeatedly. The region that came to be known as Prussia was roughly divided between the territories of Brandenburg-Prussia, West Prussia and East Prussia. The Bruhns family emerged in Brandenburg-Prussia, which is essentially the birthplace of modern Germany. By the 19th century, Brandenburg-Prussia had incorporated East Prussia, West Prussia and many other German territories. Moreover, in the late 19th century, it led the German states in the unification of Germany.

Early Origins of the Bruhns family

The surname Bruhns was first found in Brandenburg, where the name Brunn was closely identified in early mediaeval times with the feudal society which would become prominent throughout European history. The name would later emerge as a noble family with great influence, having many distinguished branches, and become noted for its involvement in social, economic and political affairs.

Early History of the Bruhns family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bruhns research. Another 59 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1665 and 1697 are included under the topic Early Bruhns History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bruhns Spelling Variations

Many cultural groups lived in the German states in medieval times. Each had its own dialect and traditions, and unique variations of popular names. Low German, which is similar to contemporary Dutch, was spoken in Westphalia. German names are characterized by additions such as regional suffixes and phrases that tell something about the origin or background of its original bearer. Further contributing to the variation in German names was the fact that there were no spelling rules in medieval times: scribes recorded names according to their sound. The recorded spelling variations of Bruhns include Brunn, Bruen, Bruennen, Bruenne, Brunne, Brune, Brunes, Bruene, Bruhn, Bruehn, Bruhnne, Bruehnne, Bruhne, Bruehne, Bronn, Broenn, Bron, Broen, Bronnen, Broennen, Bronne, Broenne, Brone, Broene, Brones, Broenes, Brohn, Broehn, Brohnne, Broehnne, Brohne and many more.

Early Notables of the Bruhns family

Notable figures of the time with the name Bruhns were

Nicolaus Bruhns (1665-1697), a Danish-German organist, violinist, and composer, one of the most prominent organists and composers of his generation

Migration of the Bruhns family

Prussia played an extremely influential role in shaping modern German history. It remained a part of Germany until after the Second World War. Prussia was divided among the Soviet Union, Poland, East Germany and West Germany. Many Prussians became residents of these new countries after the War, and many migrated to other parts of Germany or Europe, as well as to North America. In the United States, the majority of settlers landed in Philadelphia, and moved on to Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. Many German settlers also migrated to Canada, particularly to Ontario and the Prairies. Amongst the settlers in North America with this distinguished name Bruhns were Johan Daniel Brunn, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1736; Wilhelm Breuner who arrived in America in 1836; Gertrud Brune who arrived at New Orleans in 1845.

Contemporary Notables of the name Bruhns (post 1700) +

Karl Christian Bruhns (1830-1881), German astronomer
Júlia da Silva Bruhns (1851-1923), Brazilian wife of German politician Johann Heinrich Mann, mother of Thomas Mann and Heinrich Mann
Birte Bruhns (b. 1970), German middle-distance runner for East Germany who had for gold medals in the European Junior Championships (1987-1989)
George Frederick William "Arthur" Bruhns (1874-1928), German composer, pianist, and organist from Silesia