Show ContentsBrokerack History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Many variations of the name Brokerack 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 Brokerack family

The surname Brokerack 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 Brokerack family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Brokerack 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 Brokerack History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Brokerack Spelling Variations

Within the archives researched, many different spelling variations of the surname Brokerack 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. Broderick, Brodrick, Brodrig, Brouderick and many more.

Early Notables of the Brokerack 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 Brokerack Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Brokerack family to Ireland

Some of the Brokerack 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 Brokerack family

The 19th century saw a great wave of Irish families leaving Ireland for the distant shores of North America and Australia. These families often left their homeland hungry, penniless, and destitute due to the policies of England. Those Irish immigrants that survived the long sea passage initially settled on the eastern seaboard of the continent. Some, however, moved north to a then infant Canada as United Empire Loyalists after ironically serving with the English in the American War of Independence. Others that remained in America later joined the westward migration in search of land. The greatest influx of Irish immigrants, though, came to North America during the Great Potato Famine of the late 1840s. Thousands left Ireland at this time for North America, and those who arrived were immediately put to work building railroads, coal mines, bridges, and canals. In fact, the foundations of today's powerful nations of the United States and Canada were to a larger degree built by the Irish. Archival documents indicate that members of the Brokerack family relocated to North American shores quite early: 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 Brokerack 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)


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