Brenten History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The name Brenten is of Anglo-Saxon origin and came from when the family lived in Brenton, near Exminster in Devon. The name is likely a habitation name from the Old English Brymingtun, meaning "settlement associated with Bryni." 1

Early Origins of the Brenten family

The surname Brenten was first found in Devon where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Brenten family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Brenten research. Another 66 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1610, 1633 and 1674 are included under the topic Early Brenten History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Brenten Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Brenten are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. Scribes and monks in the Middle Ages spelled names they sounded, so it is common to find several variations that refer to a single person. The variations of the name Brenten include: Brenton, Breynton, Brentyne and others.

Early Notables of the Brenten family

Another 34 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Brenten Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Brenten family

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Brenten or a variant listed above: William Brenton who settled in Newport, Rhode Island in 1630; and moved on to Salem, Mass; James Benton with his wife and servants settled in Boston Massachusetts 1767..

Citations +

Hanks, Patricia and Flavia Hodges, A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1988. Print. (ISBN 0-19-211592-8)