Show ContentsBroadfield History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The origins of the Broadfield name lie with England's ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It comes from when the family lived near an expansive field, or in one of the various settlements called Bradfield in the counties of Berkshire, Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk, or the West Riding of Yorkshire.

Early Origins of the Broadfield family

The surname Broadfield was first found in Lancashire, where they held a family seat from the Middle Ages.

Early History of the Broadfield family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Broadfield research. Another 184 words (13 lines of text) covering the years 1332, 1500, 1746 and 1808 are included under the topic Early Broadfield History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Broadfield Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Broadfield were recorded, including Broadfield, Brodfield, Brodefield, Brodefeld, Broadfeld and many more.

Early Notables of the Broadfield family

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


United States Broadfield migration to the United States +

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Broadfield family emigrate to North America:

Broadfield Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Richard Broadfield who arrived in Maryland in 1774
Broadfield Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Mrs. H. Broadfield, aged 61, arrived in New York in 1892 aboard the ship "Umbria" from Liverpool, England 1
  • Geo. E. Broadfield, aged 37, originally from London, arrived in New York in 1893 aboard the ship "Germanic" from Liverpool, England 1
Broadfield Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Norman Broadfield, aged 41, originally from Manchester, England, arrived in New York in 1907 aboard the ship "Teutonic" from Liverpool, England 1
  • George Broadfield, aged 27, originally from Stowbridge, England, arrived in New York in 1907 aboard the ship "Carmania" from Liverpool, England 1
  • William Broadfield, aged 26, arrived in New York in 1920 aboard the ship "Inca" from Liverpool, England 1

Australia Broadfield migration to Australia +

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

Broadfield Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Mr. William Broadfield, English convict who was convicted in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Aurora" on 18th June 1835, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 2

Contemporary Notables of the name Broadfield (post 1700) +

  • Arthur P. Broadfield, American Democratic Party politician, Candidate for New York State Senate 1st District, 1930 3
  • Olivia Broadfield (b. 1981), English singer-songwriter from Leicestershire


  1. Ellis Island Search retrieved 15th November 2022. Retrieved from https://heritage.statueofliberty.org/passenger-result
  2. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 20th August 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/aurora
  3. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, October 23) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


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