Bridan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
France
Scotland

Early Origins of the Bridan family

The surname Bridan was first found in Roxburghshire, where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Bridan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bridan research. Another 96 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1296, 1400, 1527, 1590 and 1600 are included under the topic Early Bridan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bridan Spelling Variations

In Medieval times, spelling and translation were not nearly so highly developed as today. They were generally carried out according to the sound and intuition of the bearer. For that reason spelling variations are extremely common among early Scottish names. Bridan has been spelled Bryden, Briden, Brydin, Bridyne, Brydyne, Brydon, Bridane, Brydone and many more.

Early Notables of the Bridan family

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

Migration of the Bridan family

Unrest, poverty, and persecution caused thousands to look for opportunity and freedom in the North American colonies. The crossing was long, overcrowded, and unsanitary, though, and came only at great expense. Many Strathclyde families settled on the east coast of North America in communities that would form the backbone of what would become the great nations of the United States and Canada. The American War of Independence caused those who remained loyal to England to move north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. In the 20th century, Strathclyde and other Scottish families across North America began to recover their collective heritage through highland games and Clan societies. Among them: William Bryden who settled in New York City in 1823; James Briden settled in New England in 1805; M. Briden settled in New Orleans in 1823.

The Bridan 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: Keep watch