Brechbill Surname History

Origins Available:
Switzerland

Etymology of Brechbill

What does the name Brechbill mean?

The roots of the distinguished surname Brechbill lie in the Emmenthal region of Switzerland. The name is derived from two elements: the German "brechen," meaning "to break," and the Middle High German "buehel," meaning "hill." Thus, the surname Brechbill literally means "the broken hill."

Early Origins of the Brechbill family

The surname Brechbill was first found in Emmenthal, Switzerland. Surnames were often assigned based on a local feature of the area of residence; thus, it is believed that the progenitor of the surname Brechbill was a farmer living near a path cut through a hill. The Brechbill family was instrumental during its earliest years, playing a major role in the local history and contributing greatly to the development of the society of Switzerland.

Early History of the Brechbill family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Brechbill research. Another 62 words (4 lines of text) covering the year 1640 is included under the topic Early Brechbill History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Brechbill Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Breakbill, Brakebill, Brechbill, Brechtbill, Brechbuel and many more.

Early Notables of the Brechbill family

More information is included under the topic Early Brechbill Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Brechbill migration to the United States +

Brechbill Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Hans Brechbill, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1732 1
Hans Peter Brechbill, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1732 1
Benedict Brechbill, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1732 1
Christian Brechbill, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1738 1
Henry Brechbill, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1738 1
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Sources +

Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)