O'Broghand History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsEtymology of O'BroghandWhat does the name O'Broghand mean? Today's Irish surnames are underpinned by a multitude of rich histories. The name O'Broghand 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 O'Broghand familyThe surname O'Broghand 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 O'Broghand familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our O'Broghand research. Another 126 words (9 lines of text) are included under the topic Early O'Broghand History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. O'Broghand Spelling VariationsJust like the English language, the Gaelic language of Ireland was not standardized in the Middle Ages. Therefore, one's name was often recorded under several different spellings during the life of its bearer. Spelling variations revealed in the search for the origins of the O'Broghand family name include Brogan, Brogin, Brogon, O'Brogan, Brogen, Brochain and many more. Early Notables of the O'Broghand familyMore information is included under the topic Early O'Broghand Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the O'Broghand familyDeath and immigration greatly reduced Ireland's population in the 19th century. For the native Irish people poverty, hunger, and racial prejudice was common. Therefore, thousands left their homeland to seek opportunity in North America. Those who survived the journey and the quarantine camps to which they arrived, were instrumental towards building the strong developing nations of the United States and the future Canada. By far, the largest influx of Irish settlers occurred with Great Potato Famine during the late 1840s. These were employed as construction or factory workers. An examination of passenger and immigration lists has shown early immigrants bearing the name O'Broghand: 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.
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