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Show ContentsBrakenridge History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
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Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

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The rugged west coast of Scotland and the desolate Hebrides islands are the ancestral home of the Brakenridge family. Their name indicates that the original bearer lived in the places named Brackenrig, in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire. 1 This place name comes from the Northern Old English words, bracken and rigg (ridge). So, Brakenridge literally means "dweller by the bracken-covered bridge." 2 Bracken is a large fern which typically grows in moorland and is found on all continents except Antarctica and in all environments except deserts.

Early Origins of the Brakenridge family

The surname Brakenridge was first found in Lanarkshire, and Ayrshire where they held a family seat from very ancient times. In 1454, two records were found of the family: the yard of John of Bracanyyggis in Glasgow; and Johannes Brakanryg was sergeant of the upper baronie of Renffrew. A few years later, Robart Brakenrig witnessed a letter of reversion in 1504. 1

While the Brakenridge family typically claim Scotland as their homeland, as one would expect northern England is also a place the family calls home. Cumbria (Cumberland) just south of the Scottish border included a listing of Nicholas de Bracanrig in the Subsidy Rolls for 1332. "There are five places named Brackenrigg in Cumberland and one in Lanarkshire [Scotland]. " 2

Early History of the Brakenridge family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Brakenridge research. Another 108 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1454, 1748 and 1816 are included under the topic Early Brakenridge History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Brakenridge Spelling Variations

Spelling and translation were not standardized practices until the last few centuries. Spelling variations are extremely common among early Scottish names. Brakenridge has been spelled Brackenridge, Brachenridge, Brakenbury, Brackenrige, Brachenrige, Brecenrigg, Brecenrig, Breckinridge, Breckinrige, Breckinrigg, Breconrig, Breconrigg, Breckenrig, Breckenrigg, Braikinrigg, Braikinrig, Braikinridge and many more.

Early Notables of the Brakenridge family

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

Ireland Migration of the Brakenridge family to Ireland

Some of the Brakenridge family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 38 words (3 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Australia Brakenridge migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Brakenridge Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • John Brakenridge, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Lady Bute" in 1839 3
  • Mary Brakenridge, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Lady Bute" in 1839 3
  • Jane Brakenridge, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Lady Bute" in 1839 3
  • Isabella Brakenridge, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Lady Bute" in 1839 3
  • Thomas Brakenridge, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Lady Bute" in 1839 3
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

The Brakenridge 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: Virtute et industria
Motto Translation: By valour and industry.
  1. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
  2. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  3. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) LADY BUTE 1839. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1839LadyBute.gif
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