Surname Broward - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'B'
Broward: What does the surname Broward mean?
The surname Broward is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the old English personal names Bruni or Bruin, combined with the suffix "hard", which implies strong or brave. Hence, the complete interpretation could mean "brown-haired, strong or brave". It is a relatively rare last name most prominent in the United States, particularly associated with the state of Florida due to Napoleon Bonaparte Broward, a river pilot and the 19th Governor of Florida. He was an influential figure whose work included the draining and development of Florida Everglades that, in turn, opened up vast areas of land for agricultural use. His legacy carries on in the form of Broward County, named in his honor. Despite the fame of the name in Florida, the exact meaning of the surname can differ based on regional and cultural variations. Therefore, for a more precise understanding of its significance, a study of family ancestry might be necessary.
Order DNA origin analysisBroward: Where does the name Broward come from?
The surname Broward is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French personal name Briward, composed of the elements "bri" meaning "to break," and "ward" meaning "guard." Therefore, it can be interpreted as "break-guard."
Broward is not a very common surname today, but it can be found in different parts of the world, mostly in English-speaking countries due to migration. One of the most notable places it is associated with is in the United States, specifically in Florida, where a county is named Broward County. The county was named after Napoleon Bonaparte Broward, who served as the state’s governor from 1905 to 1909. He is remembered for his efforts to drain and develop the Everglades, a vast wetland region in south Florida. Despite this, the surname Broward is not extensively common, even in this region.
Variations of the surname Broward
The surname Broward is quite distinctive and there may not be many direct variants or other surnames of the exact same origin. It is of French origin and it may have evolved from the name "Brouard" or "Bréard", common in Normandy. English adaptation or misspellings could possibly include Browerd or Browyard.
However, if we look at phonetic similarities and possible regional adaptations, names such as Brower, Broder, Browhard, Browhart, Browardt, Browart, Broword may exist. It is important to note that these potential variants need not necessarily denote the same lineage, as they might have evolved independently in different cultural or linguistic contexts. Names that sound similar could also have entirely different origins and mean different things.
Researching specific family genealogy or using databases for surname distributions may provide more specific or direct variants of the Broward name. In all cases, it is recommended to cross-reference with reliable sources for accuracy, as surname etymology can be complex and nuanced.
Famous people with the name Broward
Napoleon Bonaparte Broward is arguably the most recognized person with the last name Broward. He was an American river pilot, 44th governor of Florida from 1905 to 1909, and a major proponent of draining and developing the Everglades. Broward County in Florida is named in his honor. Another notable person is his granddaughter, Dorothy Broward. She was an American philanthropist known for her charitable contributions in Northern Florida, particularly Jacksonville. Other than these two, people with the last name Broward are not well-known, and there is very little document information regarding famous individuals with this surname. This may be because it's quite a rare last name.