Show ContentsBredan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Bredan family

The surname Bredan was first found in South Northamptonshire at Bradden, a village that dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086 when it was first listed as Bradene. Literally the place name means "broad valley," from the Old English words "brad" + "denu." 1 The parish church is dedicated to St Michael and was built in the 13th century.

Early History of the Bredan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bredan research. Another 94 words (7 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Bredan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bredan Spelling Variations

During the era when a person's name, tribe and posterity was one of his most important possessions, many different spellings were found in the archives examined. Bredan occurred in many references, and spelling variations of the name found included Braden, Braddene, Bradens, Braiding, McBradden and many more.

Early Notables of the Bredan family

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

Ireland Migration of the Bredan family to Ireland

Some of the Bredan family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Bredan family

Gradually becoming disenchanted with life in Ireland many of these uprooted families sailed aboard the armada of sailing ships known as the "White Sails" which plied the stormy Atlantic. These overcrowded ships often arrived with only 60 to 70% of their original passenger list, many dying of illness and the elements, were buried at sea. In North America, early immigrants bearing the family name Bredan, or a spelling variation of the surname include: Adam Braden who settled in Texas in 1846; with his wife Barbara; Frederick Braden settled in Boston Mass in 1766; Henry Braden arrived in Philadelphia in 1844..



  1. Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)


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