BRAID

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Braid

The surname Braid is of Scottish origin, derived from the Old English word "brad" meaning broad. It is believed to have started as a nickname for someone who was broad-shouldered or stout. The name is considered to be of topographical origin, denoting someone who lived by a broad area of land or near a wide passage.

The Braid family has a long history in Scotland, particularly in the regions of Aberdeenshire and Fife. They were renowned for their involvement in various aspects of Scottish society, including military service, agriculture, and trade.

One notable figure with the surname Braid is James Braid (1795-1860), a Scottish surgeon regarded as one of the pioneers of hypnosis. His work laid the foundation for modern hypnotherapy and greatly influenced the field of psychology.

Today, the surname Braid is not as common as some other Scottish surnames but continues to be borne by individuals around the world, particularly in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. The name Braid remains a testament to the rich heritage and cultural diversity of the British Isles.

There are approximately 1,472 people named Braid in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,432nd most common surname in Britain. Around 23 in a million people in Britain are named Braid.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

Alexander
Andrew
Campbell
David
Ian
James
John
Mark
Michael
Paul
Robert
Ross
William

Female

Alma
Claire
Elizabeth
Helen
Karen
Linda
Margaret
Mary
Nicola
Patricia
Sarah
Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.