Surname Brough - Meaning and Origin

Brough: What does the surname Brough mean?

The surname Brough has Northern English and Scottish origins and is derived from the Old Norse word "brogð," meaning "fortification." It is a topographic name for someone who lived by a fort, specifically a fort built near a hill or a ridge. The name has strong associations with places in Cumbria and Yorkshire, areas significantly influenced by Viking settlements. Therefore, individuals with the Brough surname are likely to have ancestors from these regions. The name Brough has undergone various spelling transformations over time, with other versions including Broughe, Brougth, Brughe, and Brught.

Brough: Where does the name Brough come from?

The surname Brough has origins in the United Kingdom. It is derived from an Old English word ‘burh’ or ‘burgh,’ which means ‘fort’ or ‘castle’. The name was often attributed to individuals who lived near a fort or a castle. Many places in England, particularly Northumberland, Cumberland, Yorkshire, and Derbyshire, have been named Brough, which could have also given rise to the surname.

There are other theories about the name’s origins. Some believe Brough is an Anglicized form of the Irish name Brougham, while others speculate it may be related to the Scandinavian word ‘bro,’ which means ‘bridge.’

Today, Brough as a surname is common in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It is also found, though less frequently, in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The name has spread around the world due to migration, but its prevalence remains highest in the UK.

Variations of the surname Brough

The surname Brough has several variants and is connected to several other surnames with the same or similar origins. Spelling variations for Brough include Brugh, Bruff, Broth, and Broughe among others.

It is important to note that in earlier centuries, spelling practices were far from standardized and a single person's name might have been spelled in many different ways during their lifetime. The arrival of Norman French in the British Isles after the Norman Conquest of 1066 also had a significant influence on naming traditions, contributing to the many variants of this name.

Surnames of the same origin could include Broth, Brothe, Brath, and Braith. The difficulty with saying definitively is that the origins of the name could be locational, from places like East or West Brough in England. Or it could be topographical, for someone who lived by a fortified place. In some cases, Brough could also potentially be a variant of Burgh.

Various family crests and coats of arms have been associated with this surname and its variants, underscoring its rich history in the British Isles. The naming traditions and regional dialects of this area also played a big part in determining the variants and spellings of this surname.

Famous people with the name Brough

• Robert Brough: A famous British actor.
• Samuel Robert Brough: A well-known New Zealand politician.
• John Brough: An influential American politician during the American Civil War.
• Henry Brough: Known for being a reputable English cricket player.
• Hazel Brough: Recognized for her impact as an Australian Olympic sprinter.
• William Brough: A famous English playwright and actor.
• Michael Brough: A popular New Zealand professional rugby league player.
• Jerome Brough: A former English professional footballer.
• Lawrence Brough: A reputable British economist and former economic correspondent for The Economist.
• Sue Brough: An influential British nurse and health care executive.
• Stephen Brough: A well-known English saxophonist who has performed with orchestras around the world.
• Jamie Brough: An English rugby player who has played professionally in the Super League.
• Anne Brough: A famous New Zealand potter and ceramics artist.
• David Brough: A well-regarded Canadian businessman and former CEO of Canada's largest telecommunications company.
• John Brough: A British museum director and art historical author.

Other surnames

BroughamBroughmanBroughton