Where we all came from???

[kestrel]

A surname researcher from Belfast told me that the best info he had, suggested that we were vikings - probably named BRANDR or the Scandanavian version thereof, we sailed across the North Sea, up the Trent, settled, as did many others, and that was that!
I found similar info, and even got data about the Brandrick coat of arms if anyone is interested.

[pam]

We would most definitely be interested in what you've found out.

Welcome!

Pam

[Mark]

Hi Kestrel, sorry for my late reply. I've been moving house and changing jobs so have been experiencing some upheaval in my life lately! Things are getting back to a form of normality so thankfully I've been able to check the forum and was delighted to find your post. Thanks for getting in touch and registering. Over all the years that I have been researching, you are the first Brandrick that has got in touch from Ireland. Are you an Irish national or did you move over from the mainland at some point?

Would love to know more about you, your roots and also any info you can share on the coat of arms & viking link. Origins of surnames is a subject in its own right and one my website only tentatively dips its toe into! Any info would be gratefully received.

Mark

[jamie]

That would be great if you could get us the info. on the coat of arms or anything else that you have. Who would of thought that we were vikings!! Thank you Kestrel.

[Mark]

Hi Jamie, I agree this Viking link is an exciting notion but I suggest you don't assume it is 100% factual ... at least not until some real evidence emerges.

The oldest BRANDRICK record I have found dates back to the early 1600's. It's true that our name could be derived from BRANDR, but its equally true that its is very similar to a number of other names. In the 10 years I have been looking into our ancestry, this is the first I have heard of such a theory. I'm not saying its wrong, just that we need more evidence before we place any trust in it.

Equally, you should not assume we have a BRANDRICK coat of arms, at least not in the true sense of the definition. An authentic coat of arms suggests heraldic achievement and I have found no sign of knights or noblemen in our family history.

Kestrel's contribution is very exciting, just don't be swept away by romantic notions ... I'm afraid that good hard evidence is the only thing that supports anything in family history research. Equally, I wouldn't advocate buying the framed surname histories/coats of arms unless you are sure the company has really done the research and isn't out just to make a quick buck.

[Mark]

Hi all,

I just 'Googled' BRANDR and found it is a Norse word meaning FIREBRAND.

BRAND is also a Scandinavian word meaning SWORD BLADE

BRAN is an Irish word meaning RAVEN

RICK is a German word (Form of Richard) meaning STRONG RULER

We could easily jump to conclusions without any firm evidence.

[brandricklm]

hi my names lisa marie brandrick i live in hemel hempstead but origanaly from staffordshire england i am interested in seeing the brandrick coat of arms.