Show ContentsBridden History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Bridden family

The surname Bridden 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 Bridden family

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

Bridden Spelling Variations

The variation in the spelling of Medieval names is a result of the lack of spelling rules in the English language prior to the last few hundred years. Before that time, scribes spelled according to sound, often varying the spelling of name within a single document. Bridden has appeared as Bryden, Briden, Brydin, Bridyne, Brydyne, Brydon, Bridane, Brydone and many more.

Early Notables of the Bridden family

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


Bridden migration to Australia +

Bridden Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Elizabeth Bridden, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Tomatin" in 1840 1


The Bridden 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


  1. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) TOMATIN 1840. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1840Tomatin.htm


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