Show ContentsAshbrach History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Anglo-Saxon name Ashbrach comes from the family having resided in Gloucestershire, in the village of Ashbrook. The name was originally rendered in the Old English from esbrock, a word indicating a place where ash trees grew by a stream or brook.

Early Origins of the Ashbrach family

The surname Ashbrach was first found in Gloucestershire, at Ashbrook, listed as Esbroc and Estbroce in the Domesday Book. 1 At that time, Esbroc was part of the Gersdones hundred, land held by Durand of Gloucester and was the size of one hide, land enough for one household with one plough, one border and one slave. However, the reference also lists Estbroce in the same Hundred, but smaller in size at a virgate which was one-quarter of a hide in size and held by Humphrey the Chamberlain. Today, little evidence is found of Ashbrook, Gloucestershire.

Early History of the Ashbrach family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ashbrach research. Another 220 words (16 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1190, 1218, 1258, 1265, 1353 and 1798 are included under the topic Early Ashbrach History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ashbrach Spelling Variations

Ashbrach has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Spelling variants included: Ashbrooke, Ashbrook, Ashbrock, Ashbruck, Ashbroc, Ashbruc, Assebroc, Aschbroc and many more.

Early Notables of the Ashbrach family

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

Migration of the Ashbrach family

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Ashbrachs to arrive on North American shores: John Ashbrook, who sailed to Maryland in 1646; Thomas Ashbrooke to Virginia in 1653; John Ashbrooke to Delaware in 1682; John Ashbrook to New Jersey in 1697.



  1. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)


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