Brochain History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsEtymology of BrochainWhat does the name Brochain mean? Today's Irish surnames are underpinned by a multitude of rich histories. The name Brochain originally appeared in Gaelic as Ó Brogain. 1 Broccán Clóen (Saint Brogan) was an Irish cleric who lived in the sixth or seventh century. Various spellings were used to denote him including: Brogan, Broccan, Bracan, Bearchan and Bearchanus. Saint Broccán of Rosstuirc (of 17 September), is believed to be the author of the hymn to Saint Brigid. He was possibly the nephew of Saint Patrick. Some people believe that were in fact more than one Saint Brogan. Early Origins of the Brochain familyThe surname Brochain was first found in counties Mayo and Sligo (Irish: Sligeach), in the province of Connacht in Northwestern Ireland, in north Connacht where they had been a part of the ancient Ui Fiachrach since before recorded history. 2 They were of the Ui Fiachrach Muaidhe, or northern branch, descended from a chieftain, O'Brogain, which, translated literally, means descendant "of the young sorrowful one." Brocan was a younger brother of Lughaidh, ancestor of O'Duana, anglicized Downs, Duane, Devan and Dwaine was the progenitor of the family. Brocan, a quo O'Brocain, or Brogan in English, literally meant "little badger." 3 As is often the case, Gaelic translations into English can have multiple meanings. Early History of the Brochain familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Brochain research. Another 126 words (9 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Brochain History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Brochain Spelling VariationsWithin the archives researched, many different spelling variations of the surname Brochain were found. These included One reason for the many variations is that scribes and church officials often spelled an individual's name as it sounded. This imprecise method often led to many versions. Brogan, Brogin, Brogon, O'Brogan, Brogen, Brochain and many more. Early Notables of the Brochain familyMore information is included under the topic Early Brochain Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Brochain familyDuring the 19th century thousands of impoverished Irish families made the long journey to British North America and the United States. These people were leaving a land that had become beset with poverty, lack of opportunity, and hunger. In North America, they hoped to find land, work, and political and religious freedoms. Although the majority of the immigrants that survived the long sea passage did make these discoveries, it was not without much perseverance and hard work: by the mid-19th century land suitable for agriculture was short supply, especially in British North America, in the east; the work available was generally low paying and physically taxing construction or factory work; and the English stereotypes concerning the Irish, although less frequent and vehement, were, nevertheless, present in the land of freedom, liberty, and equality for all men. The largest influx of Irish settlers occurred with Great Potato Famine during the late 1840s. Research into passenger and immigration lists has brought forth evidence of the early members of the Brochain family in North America: Thomas Brogan, who came to Pennsylvania in 1773; Patrick Brogan, who came to New York, NY in 1815; William Brogan, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1818.
|