Bradmead History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The Anglo-Saxon name Bradmead comes from when the family resided near an expansive meadow. The surname Bradmead is derived from the Old English words brad, which means broad, and mæd, which means meadow.

Early Origins of the Bradmead family

The surname Bradmead was first found in Somerset, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Early History of the Bradmead family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bradmead research. Another 210 words (15 lines of text) covering the years 1327, 1377, 1400, 1500, 1642 and 1724 are included under the topic Early Bradmead History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bradmead Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, French and other languages became incorporated into English through the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Bradmead include Broadmeadow, Brodmed, Bradmedowe, Brodemedowe, Bradmead, Brodmeade and many more.

Early Notables of the Bradmead family

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

Migration of the Bradmead family

A great wave of immigration to the New World was the result of the enormous political and religious disarray that struck England at that time. Families left for the New World in extremely large numbers. The long journey was the end of many immigrants and many more arrived sick and starving. Still, those who made it were rewarded with an opportunity far greater than they had known at home in England. These emigrant families went on to make significant contributions to these emerging colonies in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers carried this name or one of its variants: S. Broadmeadow, who arrived in New Jersey in 1830.

The Bradmead Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Semper Fidelis
Motto Translation: Always faithful.