Show ContentsBruncker History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

This occupational surname was derived from the Old English term "Brungar" which meant "brown spear." Alternatively, the name could have been derived from the Old German word "Brunger." 1

Early Origins of the Bruncker family

The surname Bruncker was first found in Dorset where the first record of the name appears as Brungar(us) in the Domesday Book. Thomas and William Brunger were listed in a census in Norfolk in 1275 and years later the name was listed in the Subsidy Rolls of Somerset as Brunger atte Yate. 2

Interestingly, we must look to Somerset to find some of the earliest records of the family in early rolls. For it is there in Kirby's Quest that Edyth Brungar, Somerset, 1 Edward III; Adam Bryngard, Somerset, 1 Edward III; and John Bryngard, Somerset, 1 Edward III were all listed as holding lands there during the first year's reign of King Edward III. 3

Early History of the Bruncker family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bruncker research. Another 77 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1327, 1377, 1585, 1603, 1605, 1607, 1617, 1620, 1627, 1639, 1642, 1645, 1660, 1680, 1684 and 1688 are included under the topic Early Bruncker History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bruncker Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, French and other languages became incorporated into English through the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Bruncker include Brunker, Brungar, Bryngard, Brouncker, Brounker, Brunkere, Brynker and many more.

Early Notables of the Bruncker family

Notables of the family at this time include Adam Bryngard, a prominent 14th century landholder in Somerset; William Brouncker, 1st Viscount Brouncker (1585-1645); William Brouncker (c 1620-1680), an English politician, Member of Parliament for Westbury (1660); William Brouncker...
Another 37 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Bruncker Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Bruncker family to Ireland

Some of the Bruncker family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 107 words (8 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Bruncker family

A great wave of immigration to the New World was the result of the enormous political and religious disarray that struck England at that time. Families left for the New World in extremely large numbers. The long journey was the end of many immigrants and many more arrived sick and starving. Still, those who made it were rewarded with an opportunity far greater than they had known at home in England. These emigrant families went on to make significant contributions to these emerging colonies in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers carried this name or one of its variants: Robert Brunker who arrived in Philadelphia in 1867.



  1. Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print
  2. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  3. Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.


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