First found in Padua a city of northern Italian on the River Bacchiglione, anciently known as Patavium, and then Padova. In 1175, the citizens elected the D'Este family as podesta but in 1275 Frederick II took over. The powerful familes of D'Este, Camposampiero and Da Romano were the large influences. The city is rich in art, museums and galleries. Many churches exhibit works of the masters. In those ancient times only persons of rank, the podesta, clergy, city officials, army officers, artists, landowners were entered into the records. To be recorded at this time, at the beginning of recorded history, was of itself a great distinction and indicative of noble ancestry. One branch is claimed to be descended originally from Bruggia of Bruzi in Ferrara. Two members of this branch of the family, Nicolo Bruzi (born 1480) and Benedetto Bruzi (born 1545) became ducal Generals at different times.

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Francesca Andrea Abreu, who settled in New Orleans in 1778; Andrea Abreu, who came to Louisiana in 1779; Charles Brussi, who came to America in 1817; Man UEL Abreu, who settled in New Orleans in 1823.

For more information on the last name Abreu, the PDF Surname History is available for purchase as well as other products.