Brealey History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Early Origins of the Brealey family

The surname Brealey 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 Brealey family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Brealey 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 Brealey History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Brealey 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 Brealey 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 Brealey Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Brealey migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Brealey Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Benjamin Brealey, who applied for Naturalization in Allegheny Co. Pennsylvania in 1882

Brealey migration to Australia +

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

Brealey Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

William Brealey, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Anna Robertson" in 1839 4
Francis Brealey a blacksmith, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Prince Regent" in 1839 5
John Brealey a wheelwright, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Prince Regent" in 1839 5
Francis Thomas Brealey, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Prince Regent" in 1839 5

Contemporary Notables of the name Brealey (post 1700) +

Richard Brealey, Professor of Finance at the London Business School (1968-1998), writer of finance and business textbooks
Gilbert John "Gil" Brealey AO (1932-2018), Australian two-time Australian Film Institute Award winning television and film director, producer and writer from Melbourne

Citations +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) ANNA ROBERTSON 1839. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1839AnnaRobertson.htm
State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) PRINCE REGENT 1839. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1839PrinceRegent.htm