Show ContentsBrawd History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The earliest origins of the family name Brawd date back to the Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. It was a name given to a stout person. The surname Brawd is derived from the Old English word brode, which means broad. This in turn is derived from the Old English word brad, which has the same meaning.

Early Origins of the Brawd family

The surname Brawd was first found in Cornwall in the parish of Helland. "The barton of Brodes or Broads, which appears to have been formerly possessed by a family of that name, was for some time subsequent to the reign of James I. a seat of a younger branch of the family of Glynn." 1

Early History of the Brawd family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Brawd research. Another 48 words (3 lines of text) covering the year 1233 is included under the topic Early Brawd History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Brawd 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 Brawd include Broad, Brod and others.

Early Notables of the Brawd family

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

Migration of the Brawd 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: Mary Broad who settled in Virginia in 1738; Robert Broad settled in New England in 1773; Thomas Broad settled in Virginia in 1637.



  1. Hutchins, Fortescue, The History of Cornwall, from the Earliest Records and Traditions to the Present Time. London: William Penaluna, 1824. Print


Houseofnames.com on Facebook