Brothay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

The current generations of the Brothay family have inherited a surname that was first used hundreds of years ago by descendants of the ancient Scottish tribe called the Picts. The Brothay family lived in the lands of Brodie, in the barony of Moray where the family at one time held territories. King Alexander III had granted their lands. Checking further we found the name was derived from the Gaelic word broth which means ditch.

Early Origins of the Brothay family

The surname Brothay was first found in Moray, 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 Brothay family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Brothay research. Another 147 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1311, 1386, 1466, 1550, 1617, 1645 and 1680 are included under the topic Early Brothay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Brothay Spelling Variations

Scribes in the Middle Ages did not have access to a set of spelling rules. They spelled according to sound, the result was a great number of spelling variations. In various documents, Brothay has been spelled Brodie, Brody, Brodey, Brodye, Broadie, Broffee, Broffy, Brophie, Brophey, Brothie, Brophy, Brodley, Brothy and many more.

Early Notables of the Brothay family

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

Migration of the Brothay family to Ireland

Some of the Brothay 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 Brothay family

The cruelties suffered under the new government forced many to leave their ancient homeland for the freedom of the North American colonies. Those who arrived safely found land, freedom, and opportunity for the taking. These hardy settlers gave their strength and perseverance to the young nations that would become the United States and Canada. Immigration and passenger lists have shown many early immigrants bearing the name Brothay: Andrew Brodie who arrived in Philadelphia in 1811; Robert Brodie with wife and six children arrived in New York in 1775; Edward Brodie arrived in Philadelphia in 1813.