Show ContentsAshbrech History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Ashbrech is part of the ancient legacy of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It is a product of when the family lived 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 Ashbrech family

The surname Ashbrech 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 Ashbrech family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ashbrech 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 Ashbrech History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ashbrech 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. Ashbrech has been spelled many different ways, including Ashbrooke, Ashbrook, Ashbrock, Ashbruck, Ashbroc, Ashbruc, Assebroc, Aschbroc and many more.

Early Notables of the Ashbrech family

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

Migration of the Ashbrech 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 Ashbrechs to arrive in North America: 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)


Houseofnames.com on Facebook