Brough

Background and Meaning:

Brough is an English surname with origins in the Old Norse word "borg," meaning a "castle" or "fortress." The name likely originated as a locational surname for individuals residing in or near a fortress or fortified settlement.

Distribution:

The surname Brough is most commonly found in the north of England, particularly in the historic counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire. Over time, individuals bearing the surname Brough have spread to various parts of the United Kingdom and beyond.

Notable Individuals:

  • Stephen Brough (b. 1965): A British artist known for his intricate pencil drawings and paintings.
  • Charles Brough (1876–1935): An American automobile manufacturer who founded the Brough Motor Car Company.
  • Gerald Brough (1913–1979): A British actor and film director who appeared in numerous stage productions and films.

Variations:

Variations of the surname Brough include "Brow," "Broh," and "Bruf." These variations may have evolved over time due to dialectal differences or clerical errors in historical records.

References:

  • Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.
  • Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.

There are approximately 6,874 people named Brough in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,371st most common surname in Britain. Around 106 in a million people in Britain are named Brough.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Anthony
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Stephen

Female

  • Ann
  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Linda
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Michelle
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

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

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