Show ContentsBrimner History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Brimner family

The surname Brimner was first found in Ayrshire where one of the first records of the name was Walter Brabounare held a tenement in Irvine in 1418-1426. This Flemish industrialist family from Brabant was invited by the monarchs of Scotland to strengthen business interests in lowland Scotland. Their name was derived from Brabener, 'the Brabander,' i.e. a native of Brabant. [1] "Artisans and traders from Brabant settled early at Aberdeen and on the east coast of Scotland. Bremner is still at times pronounced "Brembner" in Caithness." [2]

Further to the south in England, Sir Nicholas Brembre (d. 1388), was Lord mayor of London, and was the chief supporter among the citizens of Richard II. [3]

Early History of the Brimner family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Brimner research. Another 105 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1400, 1486, 1489, 1500, 1507, 1539, 1601, 1630, 1720, 1748 and 1789 are included under the topic Early Brimner History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Brimner Spelling Variations

Flemish surnames are characterized by a large number of spelling variations. One reason for this is that medieval English lacked definite spelling rules. The spellings of surnames were also influenced by the official court languages, which were French and Latin. Names were rarely spelled consistently in medieval times. Scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, rather than adhering to specific spelling rules, and people often had their names registered in several different forms throughout their lives. One of the greatest reasons for change is the linguistic uniqueness of the Flemish settlers in England, who spoke a language closely related to Dutch. The pronunciation and spelling of Flemish names were often altered to suit the tastes of English-speaking people. In many cases, the first, final, or middle syllables of surnames were eliminated. The name has been spelled Bremner, Brimner, Brymner, Brimmer, Brenner and many more.

Early Notables of the Brimner family

Of note in the family at this time was Robert Bremner, born in Scotland about 1720. He practised for some years as a teacher of singing, and afterwards, about 1748, became a music-seller at Edinburgh, under the sign of the 'Harp and Hoboy.' He subsequently settled in London, and commenced business, with the same sign...
Another 55 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Brimner Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Brimner family

In the immigration and passenger lists a number of early immigrants bearing the name Brimner were found: Alexander Bremner who settled in Catalina, Newfoundland, in 1822; William Bremner settled in Savannah Ga in 1775; John Bremner settled in Philadelphia in 1813.



  1. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
  2. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  3. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print


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