Brodkin History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Brodkin

What does the name Brodkin mean?

The earliest origins of the Brodkin surname date from the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. Their name reveals that an early member was a stout person. The surname Brodkin is derived from the Old English word brode, which means broad. This in turn is derived from the Old English word brad, which has the same meaning.

Early Origins of the Brodkin family

The surname Brodkin was first found in Cornwall in the parish of Helland. "The barton of Brodes or Broads, which appears to have been formerly possessed by a family of that name, was for some time subsequent to the reign of James I. a seat of a younger branch of the family of Glynn." 1

Early History of the Brodkin family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Brodkin research. Another 48 words (3 lines of text) covering the year 1233 is included under the topic Early Brodkin History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Brodkin Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Brodkin are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Brodkin include: Broad, Brod and others.

Early Notables of the Brodkin family

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

Migration of the Brodkin family

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Brodkin or a variant listed above: Mary Broad who settled in Virginia in 1738; Robert Broad settled in New England in 1773; Thomas Broad settled in Virginia in 1637.

Contemporary Notables of the name Brodkin (post 1700) +

Alan Brodkin Handler (1931-2024), American jurist who served as a New Jersey Supreme Court Justice from 1977 until 1999

Sources +

Hutchins, Fortescue, The History of Cornwall, from the Earliest Records and Traditions to the Present Time. London: William Penaluna, 1824. Print