Show ContentsBreckmann History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The saga of the name Breckmann follows a line reaching back through history to the days of the Anglo-Saxon tribes in Britain. It was a name for someone who worked as a dweller by or "keeper of the bridge" in various parts of England.

Early Origins of the Breckmann family

The surname Breckmann was first found in Sussex where one of the first records of the name was John Brygeman who was listed in the Subsidy Rolls of that county in 1296. The next reference of the name was John Bregman who was listed in 1310 in Essex. 1

A few years later, John Bruggemon was listed in the Subsidy Rolls of Warwickshire of 1332. The same reference listed two versions of the following entry: William Breggeman and William atte Bregge. In the Yorkshire Poll Tax records of 1379, we found Johannes Brigeman. 2

Early History of the Breckmann family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Breckmann research. Another 72 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1568, 1577, 1606, 1638, 1640, 1642, 1646, 1647, 1649, 1652, 1671, 1674, 1682, 1685, 1687, 1692, 1695, 1699, 1701, 1764, 1847, 1878, 1928 and 1990 are included under the topic Early Breckmann History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Breckmann 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 Breckmann were recorded, including Bridgeman, Bridgman and others.

Early Notables of the Breckmann family

Distinguished members of the family include Dr. John Bridgeman (1577-1652), Bishop of Chester who purchased the manor of Great Lever from the Assheton family, re-built the Hall, and resided here during some part of the Rebellion. The Bishop's eldest son, Sir Orlando Bridgeman, chief Baron of the exchequer, and afterwards lord keeper of the great seal, was the first English-man advanced to the dignity of Baronet by Charles II. after the Restoration, by the name of Sir Orlando Bridgeman, of Great Lever.Sir John Bridgeman (1568-1638) was Chief Justice of Chester; Henry Bridgeman, DD (died 1682), an Anglican clergyman, the Bishop of...
Another 102 words (7 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Breckmann Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Breckmann family to Ireland

Some of the Breckmann family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 40 words (3 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 Breckmann 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 Breckmann family emigrate to North America: Jacob Bridgemen who settled in Virginia in 1654; John Bridgeman settled in Virginia in 1663; Walter Bridgeman arrived in Philadelphia in 1684; Thomas Bridgman settled in Virginia in 1654.


Contemporary Notables of the name Breckmann (post 1700) +

  • F. W. Breckmann, American Republican politician, Delegate to Republican National Convention from Missouri, 1916 3


The Breckmann Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Nec Temere Nec Timide
Motto Translation: Neither rashly nor timidly.


  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  3. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, November 25) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


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