Show ContentsBryngard 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 Bryngard family

The surname Bryngard 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 Bryngard family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bryngard 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 Bryngard History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bryngard 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 Bryngard were recorded, including Brunker, Brungar, Bryngard, Brouncker, Brounker, Brunkere, Brynker and many more.

Early Notables of the Bryngard family

Notables of the family at this time include

  • Adam Bryngard, a prominent 14th century landholder in Somerset

Ireland Migration of the Bryngard family to Ireland

Some of the Bryngard 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 Bryngard family

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 Bryngard family emigrate to North America: 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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