Show ContentsBraly History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Braly family

The surname Braly was first found in Worcestershire where Walter de Brayly was listed in the Subsidy Rolls of 1275. Much later, John Brailey and William Brayley were found in Devon in 1642. And it is here that one source claims the name is from Brayley Barton in East Buckland. [1]

This place name dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086 when it was known as Bredelia. [2] In 1166, it was known as Brailega, but by 1242 Braylegh was the preferred entry for the place name in ancient rolls. Literally, the place name means "clearing by the river Bray." [3]

Early History of the Braly family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Braly research. Another 83 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1455, 1487, 1642, 1771, 1773, 1801, 1802, 1825, 1854, 1857 and 1870 are included under the topic Early Braly History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Braly Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Brayly, Braylie, Bralie, Braily, Brulye, Bralye, Braille, Braile, Brealey and many more.

Early Notables of the Braly family

Distinguished members of the family include Edward Wedlake Brayley, the Elder (1773-1854), English topographer and archæologist, born in the parish of Lambeth, Surrey, in 1773, who was apprenticed to one of the most eminent practitioners of the art of enamelling in the metropolis. Before the term of his indentures had expired he became acquainted with John Britton, 1771-1857, whom he used to meet at the shop of Mr. Essex in Clerkenwell. Both the young men had literary and artistic tastes and aspirations, and longed to emancipate themselves from the mechanical pursuits in which they were engaged. They formed a close friendship...
Another 259 words (18 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Braly Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Braly migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Braly Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • John Hyde Braly, aged 70, who immigrated to the United States, in 1905
  • Mrs. John Hyde Braly, aged 63, who landed in America, in 1905
  • Adrian Braly, aged 42, who settled in America from Paris, in 1906
  • Arthur Braly, aged 40, who landed in America, in 1907
  • Emma Braly, aged 23, who immigrated to the United States, in 1907
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Braly (post 1700) +

  • Terrell Alfred Braly (b. 1953), American businessperson, co-founder and CEO of Cinebarre
  • Malcolm Braly (1925-1980), American author
  • Angela F. Braly (b. 1961), American president and CEO for WellPoint, Inc., a large US-based health care company


  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  3. Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)


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