Surname Bredow - Meaning and Origin

Bredow: What does the surname Bredow mean?

The last name Bredow is a German surname, with the root word “Brede” meaning “Broad” or “Wide.” Therefore, the surname Bredow could have originated in several ways: either as an ornamental surname, given to someone from a wide open area such as a plain; as a location-based surname, indicating a place or residence near an area of land that was wide; or as a sobriquet, derived from an individual’s physical attributes or character traits (a broad or wide-set face, for example).

Today, the surname Bredow is mostly associated with family lines originating in Northern Germany in the areas of Prussia, Pomerania, and Oldenburg. It is still found in various parts of Germany, as well as across northwestern Europe.

In early times, individuals associated with the surname Bredow, from a historical perspective, were generally members of the Prussian military. Later, during the 19th century, many Bredows migrated to the United States, South America, and Australia due to religious reasons, in order to escape persecution.

In modern times, Bredows are most commonly found in Germany, although since the surname is so common, it can be found across Europe, North America, and even beyond. The people who carry the surname have continued to bring pride and influence to the German name, and could be found in various professions from the military to the arts.

Bredow: Where does the name Bredow come from?

The last name Bredow is a German surname that is most common today in Germany, specifically Pomerania. Historically, Pomerania was a region on the southern shore of the Baltic Sea in the northeastern part of Central Europe. Over time, the family name spread to the surrounding countries, including Poland, Sweden, Denmark, and Prussia.

The name Bredow is also common in Canada and the United States, particularly in American Midwest states. It is believed that the surname was brought to the US by German immigrants in the 19th century. The family likely first settled in Wisconsin, but their presence has since spread throughout the region into neighboring states like Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio.

It is also speculated that the last name Bredow is found in South Africa and other parts of the African continent. This is thought to be due to the presence of German and Dutch missionaries and traders in the area.

The last name Bredow is also found in countries like the United Kingdom, France, Austria, and the Netherlands. This further underlines the global reach of the surname and Germanic origin of the family.

Variations of the surname Bredow

The surname Bredow is one of the oldest known German surnames. It is derived from the Old High German personal name "Berthalt" and means "luminous ruler." In some areas, the name is spelled Breidow and in other areas, Brädo or Braedow.

Variants of the surname Bredow include Bredehoe, Bredehoft, Breidhof, Braddy, Bradie, Brede, Bredehoeft, Braddye, Bredow, Braddy, Bradie, Breidel, Breuhl, Briest, and Briet.

In some parts of Germany, the name is often found as "von" or "van" Bredow, indicating nobility. This variants is sometimes seen as von Brede or von Briedow.

In addition, other spellings and surnames with the same origin include Bredohl, Bredeson, Bredlude, Bredy, and Breddidorff.

The surnames Bredow, Breidow, Brädo, and Braedow are found in Germany, the United States, and in other countries. Some of the other spellings and surnames with similar origins can be found in Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands.

Famous people with the name Bredow

• George von Bredow (1824-1908), German cavalry officer and political conservative
• Paul von Bredow (1893-1970), German general
• Otto Bernd von Bredow (1818–1893), Prussian statesman and officer
• Kurt Freiherr von Bredow (1898–1944), German World War II Luftwaffe general
• August von Bredow (1861–1923), German Lieutenant General
• Paul von Bredow (1859–1942), board member of the Prussian State Railways
• Günther von Bredow (1897–1926), German World War I fighter ace
• Auguste Freifrau von Bredow (1834–1906), Prussian noblewoman
• Wolf von Bredow (1914–2001), Norwegian engineer and businessman
• Arthur Bredow (1872–1925), American professional golfer

Other surnames

Bredon