Show ContentsBreslyn History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Breslyn

What does the name Breslyn mean?

Many variations of the name Breslyn have evolved since the time of its initial creation. In Gaelic it appeared as Ó Breasail, possibly from the word bres, which means strife. 1

Early Origins of the Breslyn family

The surname Breslyn was first found in County Armagh (Irish: Ard Mhacha) located in the province of Ulster in present day Northern Ireland, where they held a family seat from ancient times. They were descended from Fiachrach Casan, the progenitor of the Clann Brassil, he was the son of King Colla da Crioch, one of Ireland's greatest kings, who was banished to the Hebrides in 327 A.D. after losing his fight for the High Kingship for all Ireland. Colla da Crioch returned to Ireland in 357. (O'Hart)

Early History of the Breslyn family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Breslyn research. Another 176 words (13 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Breslyn History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Breslyn Spelling Variations

The Middle Ages saw a great number of spelling variations for surnames common to the Irish landscape. One reason for these variations is the fact that surnames were not rigidly fixed by this period. The following variations for the name Breslyn were encountered in the archives: Brassil, Brassell, Brassilagh, Breasal, Brazil, Brazell, Braslan and many more.

Early Notables of the Breslyn family

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

Migration of the Breslyn family

A great mass of Ireland's native population left the island in the 19th century, seeking relief from various forms of social, religious, and economic discrimination. This Irish exodus was primarily to North America. If the migrants survived the long ocean journey, many unfortunately would find more discrimination in the colonies of British North America and the fledgling United States of America. These newly arrived Irish were, however, wanted as a cheap source of labor for the many large agricultural and industrial projects that were essential to the development of what would become two of the wealthiest nations in the western world. Early immigration and passenger lists indicate many people bearing the Breslyn name: Daniel Brassell who arrived in New York State in 1756; Patrick Brazell arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1838; Thomas Breslin settled in Virginia in 1765.



  1. MacLysaght, Edward, The Surnames of Ireland. Ireland: Irish Academic Press, sixth edition, 1985. Print. (ISBN 0-7165-2366-3)


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