Show ContentsBranom History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The original Gaelic form of Branom was Ó Branagain, derived from bran, which means raven. 1

Early Origins of the Branom family

The surname Branom was first found in the counties of Armagh and Monaghan (Irish: Muineachán) located in the Northern part of the Republic of Ireland in the province of Ulster, and were a part of the Cenel Eoghain (Clann Owen) one of the important septs (clanns) who are descended from Eoghan (Owen) son of Niall of the Nine Hostages, perhaps the greatest of all Irish General Kings whose history makes King Arthur's romances pale. 2

Early History of the Branom family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Branom research. Another 52 words (4 lines of text) covering the year 1610 is included under the topic Early Branom History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Branom Spelling Variations

The recording of names in Ireland during the Middle Ages was an inconsistent endeavor at best. Since the general population did not know how to read or write, they could only specify how their names should be recorded orally. Research into the name Branom revealed spelling variations, including Branagan, Branigan, Brangan, Brangen, Branghan, Branikan, Brankin, Brannagan, Brannahan, Brannaghan, Brannaghin, Brannigan, Braendigan, Brandigan, O'Branagan and many more.

Early Notables of the Branom family

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

Migration of the Branom family

A great mass of Ireland's native population left the island in the 19th century, seeking relief from various forms of social, religious, and economic discrimination. This Irish exodus was primarily to North America. If the migrants survived the long ocean journey, many unfortunately would find more discrimination in the colonies of British North America and the fledgling United States of America. These newly arrived Irish were, however, wanted as a cheap source of labor for the many large agricultural and industrial projects that were essential to the development of what would become two of the wealthiest nations in the western world. Early immigration and passenger lists indicate many people bearing the Branom name: Felix, Francis, James, John, Lawrence, Michael, Patrick, and Thomas Branagan, who arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania between 1834 and 1870; John Branagan settled in Charleston in 1796.



  1. MacLysaght, Edward, The Surnames of Ireland. Ireland: Irish Academic Press, sixth edition, 1985. Print. (ISBN 0-7165-2366-3)
  2. O'Hart, John, Irish Pedigrees 5th Edition in 2 Volumes. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1976. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0737-4)


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