Broad History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  England 


Broad is a name whose history is entwined with the ancient Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It was a name for a stout person. The surname Broad is derived from the Old English word brode, which means broad. This in turn is derived from the Old English word brad, which has the same meaning.

Early Origins of the Broad family

The surname Broad was first found in Cornwall in the parish of Helland. "The barton of Brodes or Broads, which appears to have been formerly possessed by a family of that name, was for some time subsequent to the reign of James I. a seat of a younger branch of the family of Glynn." 1

Early History of the Broad family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Broad research. Another 48 words (3 lines of text) covering the year 1233 is included under the topic Early Broad History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Broad 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 Broad were recorded, including Broad, Brod and others.

Early Notables of the Broad family

Notables of this surname at this time include:

Broad Ranking

In New Zealand, the name Broad is the 926th most popular surname with an estimated 803 people with that name. 2


Broad 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 Broad family emigrate to North America:

Broad Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Broad Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Broad Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Broad migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Broad Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Broad migration to Australia +

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

Broad Settlers in Australia in the 18th Century
Broad Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Broad migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Broad Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Broad (post 1700) +
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