When the ancestors of the Brathener family emigrated to
England following the
Norman Conquest in 1066 they brought their family name with them. They lived in
Devon. The name is a reference to the French province of Brettagne or
Brittany, from where this family arrived in 1066.
Early Origins of the Brathener family
The surname Brathener was first found in
Devon, where they held a
family seat from the 11th century. Originating in
Brittany,
[1]CITATION[CLOSE]
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X) the name was introduced to
England in 1066 with Auvrai le
Breton being present at the
Norman Conquest in 1066 under the banner of Alain le Roux. William the Conqueror rewarded Auvrai for his service with lordships in
Devon. Later some of the family were found at Great Witchingham in
Norfolk. "The church is a handsome structure, chiefly in the later English style, with a lofty square embattled tower [holds the remains of] John Britton, Bishop of Hereford, who died in 1275."
[2]CITATION[CLOSE]
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Early History of the Brathener family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Brathener research.
Another 423 words (30 lines of text) covering the years 1066, 1164, 1166, 1166, 1248, 1279, 1379, 1599, 1654, 1771, 1806, 1294, 1297, 1644, 1714 and are included under the topic Early Brathener History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Brathener Spelling Variations
Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence in the eras before English spelling was standardized a few
hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate regularly changed the spellings of their names as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Brathener have been found, including Brittoner, Brettoner, Brittany, Briton,
Breton, Bretun, Bruton, Bretener, Bretoner, Brettner, Brittain and many more.
Early Notables of the Brathener family (pre 1700)
Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Ranulph le Breton, canon of St. Pauls in the 13th century; William Briton, a prominent theologian of the 14th century; a...
Another 28 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Brathener Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Brathener family to Ireland
Some of the Brathener family moved to
Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 87 words (6 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 Brathener family to the New World and Oceana
For many English families, the social climate in
England was oppressive and lacked opportunity for change. For such families, the shores of
Ireland,
Australia, and the New World beckoned. They left their homeland at great expense in ships that were overcrowded and full of disease. Many arrived after the long voyage sick, starving, and without a penny. But even those were greeted with greater opportunity than they could have experienced back home. Numerous English settlers who arrived in the United States and Canada at this time went on to make important contributions to the developing cultures of those countries. Many of those families went on to make significant contributions to the rapidly developing colonies in which they settled. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name Brathener were among those contributors: Robart Brittin, who came to Virginia in 1618; John Brittaine, who came to Virginia in 1638; William Brittin, who was on record in Virginia in 1675; Lionel Brittain, his wife Elizabeth and their daughter Elizabeth, who all came to New Jersey in 1680.