Origin of the surname Broadway

This is an ancient surname which has even more ancient antecedents. It is topographical and literally describes somebody who lived at a dwelling by a 'brad wei' ( Olde English pre 7th century). This was not a wide road, although it may have been by accident, but a description of an area which was used as a road, even if such a term would not have been recognizable to the inhabitants. It has been suggested that the meaning is that of a surviving Roman road, which would have been stone paved, but this is not proven.

Similar names are Holloway, which was a path or way which had been hollowed out by thousands of feet over centuries, and usually applied to the main street of a village, or 'Bitherway' which again describes one who lived 'by the way'! The earliest known recording of the 'Broadway' is in the 972 Cartularium Saxonicum (The Saxon maps), where a place called 'Badanuuege' is described. This may be the modern 'Bradninch' in Devon. Examples of early surname recordings include Hugh del Bradweye of Cambridge in 1273, Ernald de Bradewaye of Norfolk in 1280, and John de Bardewaye of Somerset in the same period. Later examples are those of Daniel Broadwaye christened at the church of St Mary Botham, London, on December 6th 1570, John Brodwaye, buried at St Michaels Church, Cornhill, London on 1579, and Elizabeth Broadway who married Tristram Hare at St James Church, Dukes Street, London, on May 13th 1690. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of John de Brodways, which was dated 1225, recorded as being the 'Prepositor of Bristol', during the reign of King Henry 111, known as 'The Frenchman,' 1216 - 1272. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

The surname Broadway. Genealogy, origin, history, meaning, and significance

We can try to trace the genealogy of the surname broadway, and in addition to the original locations of broadway, we can find out where people with the surname broadway can currently be found. Adhering to what we know about the way surnames originated, it is possible to offer a realistic explanation of the origins of broadway.

The surname Broadway around the world

The mobility of people carrying the surname broadway has led to its presence in different countries, as you can verify.

History of Broadway

The history, heraldry, coats of arms, and possible nobility of the surname broadway are scattered in documents across various regions and historical periods, so it is necessary to reconstruct a complex puzzle to approach the facts from a realistic perspective. In the following lines, you will find everything we have been able to gather about the surname broadway.

Please note that if you are in a position to provide more data about the surname broadway or any other surname and its origin, we would appreciate your collaboration with us by sending us information about the origin of broadway.

Notable Figures Named Broadway

A surname like broadway can connect a person to an illustrious lineage and a distinguished coat of arms. However, it must be kept in mind that it is individual people who, through their lives and actions, bring fame and recognition to their surnames. If you or someone you know bears the surname broadway, you could potentially build illustrious lineages through your efforts and virtues.

The surname Broadway and its bibliographic sources

We consider it highly advisable to refer to the following sources if you wish to conduct research on the surname broadway, as well as many other surnames. Accessing the archives of the town or towns where your ancestors were born and lived is, of course, a good way to trace the origins of broadway.

SOURCES

These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of broadway, and at the same time, of surnames in general.

Origin of Broadway