Show ContentsBroadarach History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Many variations of the name Broadarach have evolved since the time of its initial creation. In Gaelic it appeared as Ó Bruadair, which is derived from Bruadar, a common Norse forename. It is unclear as to whether or not the family is of Norse origin. But it should be noted that many people named Bruader are recorded as having lived in Ireland prior to the onset of the Danish invasions, including an Irish prince of the Heremon line, from whom the family claims descent. 1

Early Origins of the Broadarach family

The surname Broadarach was first found in Carlow (Irish: Cheatharlach) a small landlocked area located in the province of Leinster in the South East of Ireland, where they were descended from the Ryans, Lords of Idrone, more specifically from Bruader or Bruadaran an Irish Prince of the Heremon line. His name was derived from the Irish "bruadair" which means "a dream." 1

Early History of the Broadarach family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Broadarach research. Another 63 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1627, 1641, 1653, 1654, 1656, 1660, 1670, 1692, 1693, 1695, 1699, 1703, 1711, 1713, 1728 and 1730 are included under the topic Early Broadarach History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Broadarach 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 because the general population had to rely on local official's understanding of how their name should be spelt, hence spellings in records often changed through a person's lifetime. The following variations for the name Broadarach were encountered in the archives: Broderick, Brodrick, Brodrig, Brouderick and many more.

Early Notables of the Broadarach family

Notable amongst the family name at this time was Sir Thomas Brodrick, of Wandsworth; and his son, Sir St. John Brodrick, of Midleton (1627-1711), an Irish Member of Parliament for County Cork (1692-1693) and (1695-1699); and his son, Thomas...
Another 38 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Broadarach Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Broadarach family to Ireland

Some of the Broadarach family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 167 words (12 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 Broadarach family

Ireland became inhospitable for many native Irish families in the 19th centuries. Poverty, lack of opportunities, high rents, and discrimination forced thousands to leave the island for North America. The largest exodus of Irish settlers occurred with the Great Potato Famine of the late 1840s. For these immigrants the journey to British North America and the United States was long and dangerous and many did not live to see the shores of those new lands. Those who did make it were essential to the development of what would become two of the wealthiest and most powerful nations of the world. These Irish immigrants were not only important for peopling the new settlements and cities, they also provided the manpower needed for the many industrial and agricultural projects so essential to these growing nations. Immigration and passenger lists have documented the arrival of various people bearing the name Broadarach to North America: John Brodrick who settled in Philadelphia in 1766; followed by Patrick, Joseph, and John between 1840 and 1860. Edward, Henry, John, Joseph, Patrick Broderick all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860..



The Broadarach 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: A cuspide corona
Motto Translation: By spear a crown.


  1. O'Hart, John, Irish Pedigrees 5th Edition in 2 Volumes. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1976. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0737-4)


Houseofnames.com on Facebook