BRASS

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

Brass

Origin and Etymology

Brass is a surname of English origin, deriving from the Middle English word bras, meaning brass, the metal alloy of copper and zinc. It is believed to have originated as an occupational name for someone who worked with brass.

Distribution and Frequency

The surname Brass is relatively uncommon in Britain, with the majority of individuals bearing this name concentrated in particular regions. Historical records show clusters of Brass families in Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Essex.

Notable Individuals

John Brass (1805–1871) – An English inventor known for his contributions to the development of brass-making techniques in the industrial era.
Emily Brass (1869–1945) – A suffragette and women's rights activist who played a significant role in the early feminist movement in Britain.

Modern Significance

Today, the surname Brass continues to be passed down through generations, with individuals bearing this name found in various professions and walks of life, contributing to the rich tapestry of British society.

There are approximately 1,124 people named Brass in the UK. That makes it roughly the 6,740th most common surname in Britain. Around 17 in a million people in Britain are named Brass.

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Scotland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

Alan
Andrew
Christopher
David
James
John
Martin
Michael
Richard
Stephen
Thomas
William

Female

Amanda
Gillian
Helen
Joanne
Judith
Karen
Kathleen
Katrin
Margaret
Mary
Sarah
Susan

Similar and related surnames

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