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![Show Contents]() Brokan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 Ireland
Today's Irish surnames are underpinned by a multitude of rich histories. The name Brokan 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 Brokan familyThe surname Brokan 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 Brokan familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Brokan research. Another 126 words (9 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Brokan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Brokan Spelling VariationsMany spelling variations of the surname Brokan can be found in the archives. One reason for these variations is that ancient scribes and church officials recorded names as they were pronounced, often resulting in a single person being recorded under several different spellings. The different spellings that were found include Brogan, Brogin, Brogon, O'Brogan, Brogen, Brochain and many more. Early Notables of the Brokan familyMore information is included under the topic Early Brokan Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Brokan familyA great mass of Ireland's native population left the island in the 19th century, seeking relief from various forms of social, religious, and economic discrimination. This Irish exodus was primarily to North America. If the migrants survived the long ocean journey, many unfortunately would find more discrimination in the colonies of British North America and the fledgling United States of America. These newly arrived Irish were, however, wanted as a cheap source of labor for the many large agricultural and industrial projects that were essential to the development of what would become two of the wealthiest nations in the western world. Early immigration and passenger lists indicate many people bearing the Brokan name: 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.
- MacLysaght, Edward, The Surnames of Ireland. Ireland: Irish Academic Press, sixth edition, 1985. Print. (ISBN 0-7165-2366-3)
- MacLysaght, Edward, More Irish Families. Dublin: Irish Academic Press, 1982. Print. (ISBN 0-7165-0126-0)
- O'Hart, John, Irish Pedigrees 5th Edition in 2 Volumes. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1976. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0737-4)
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