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Coat of Arms |
The name is most probably derived from the village named Braine in Belgium. In ancient times, "before a system of hereditary family names had evolved, it was common practice to identify a person according to his place of origin" (The Historical Research Center).
How did Braine reach England? Most probably in 1066, with the Norman French conquest of England. Duke William II of Normandy gathered soldiers from all over France (Belgium was part of France at that time), and one or more Braines may have volunteered or been recruited. So, our ancestors were originally French speakers.
William rewarded his troops with land he had confiscated from the English, and our ancestor may have been granted some land (with labourers, servants) that way. Actually, only about 800 of the invading army are said to have settled in England. During Norman rule of England, which lasted till 1154, the language of the Court and of the aristocracy was French. The Norman period left a lasting effect on the religion, language, and cuisine of England.
The earliest record of the name is that of Matthew de Brain, in Yorkshire, in 1199.
Other variants of the name "Braine" are Brain, Brayne, and Brand (in Scotland). Notable bearers of the name are (besides myself!) Sir Russel Brain (1895-1966), noted neurologist; John Braine (1922-1986), author; Brian Brain, English cricketer; and David Braine (BBC reporter).
The following is copied directly from the Family Name History issued by The Historical Research Center.
BLAZON OF ARMS: Argent on a pale gules, three leopard heads of the field.
Translation: The heraldic color argent (white or silver) denotes peace and sincerity. The pale is a vertical division on a shield denoting military strength and fortitude. Gules (red) signifies constancy. The leopard is the symbol of the valiant warrior who undertakes hazardous enterprises by force and courage.
CREST: A leopard's head argent.
MOTTO: Nulla rosa sine spinis
Translation: No rose without thorns
ORIGIN: England
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