Show ContentsBroadech History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The origins of the Broadech name lie with England's ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It comes from when the family lived by a large, broad oak tree. The surname is derived from the Old English words brad, which means broad, and ac, which means oak.

Early Origins of the Broadech family

The surname Broadech was first found in Kent where one of the first records of the name was Geoffrey Brodhok who was listed there in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273. Thomas del Brodok was listed a few years later in the Assize Rolls of 1282 and later Thomas Broddock was listed in the Nonarum Inquisitiones for Essex in 1341. 1

One source notes that Braddock of Broadoak is a parish, in the union of Liskeard, hundred of West, E. division of Cornwall and some of the family originated there. 2

Braddock, Bradock or Broadoak is a parish in the hundred of West, Cornwall. "This parish was taxed in Doomsday under its present name; 'which, if it be single,' says Hals, 'signifies a rebel or traitor; one that betrays the trust or fidelity reposed in him by another; otherwise, if it be compounded of Brad-ock or Brod-ock, it signifies broad trees of oak.' - Saxon. " 3

Early History of the Broadech family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Broadech research. Another 84 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1623, 1643, 1656, 1660, 1672, 1679, 1680, 1695, 1700, 1719 and 1755 are included under the topic Early Broadech History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Broadech Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Broadech were recorded, including Braddock, Braddick, Braddocke and others.

Early Notables of the Broadech family

Distinguished members of the family include Sir Allen Brodrick (1623-1680), an English politician who sat in the House of Commons between 1660 and 1679; and John Braddocke (1656-1719), an English divine from Shropshire. John Braddocke (1656-1719), was an English divine, a native of Shropshire, and received his education at St. Catharine's Hall, Cambridge. General Edward...
Another 53 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Broadech Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Broadech family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Broadech family emigrate to North America: Nathan Braddock who settled in Virginia in 1635; Nicholas Braddon, who came to America in 1685; James Braddick, who arrived in Virginia in 1704; Henry Braddock was a bonded passenger, who arrived in America in 1739.



  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
  3. Hutchins, Fortescue, The History of Cornwall, from the Earliest Records and Traditions to the Present Time. London: William Penaluna, 1824. Print


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