Brannon family crest and coat of arms

Brannon is an Irish surname that means "descendant of Bran" or "raven." It is derived from the Gaelic word "bran" which translates to "raven" in English. This surname is commonly found among people of Irish descent.

Family crests and coats of arms emerged during the Middle Ages, mostly in wider Europe. They were used as a way to identify knights and nobles on the battlefield and in tournaments. The designs were unique to each family and were passed down from generation to generation.

The earliest crests were simple designs, such as a single animal or symbol, but they became more elaborate over time. Coats of arms were also developed, which included a shield with the family crest, as well as other symbols and colors that represented the family's history and achievements.

The use of family crests and coats of arms spread throughout Europe and became a symbol of social status and identity. They were often displayed on clothing, armor, and flags, and were used to mark the family's property and possessions.

Today, family crests and coats of arms are still used as a way to honor and celebrate family heritage.

The family name Brannon has manifested in various forms across different cultures and languages, reflecting the dynamic evolution of surnames through the centuries. In Ireland, the name has adapted into forms like Brennan and Branagan, notably from the Gaelic "Breandán," a name associated with the legend of St. Brendan, especially prominent during the 7th through the 12th centuries. Meanwhile, in Scotland during the 15th and 16th centuries, one might encounter variations such as Brannan or even the anglicized Branwen, which speaks to the integration of Celtic influences and the linguistic shifts following the Gaelic elements. Other adaptations arose in England, where the industrial revolution of the 18th century prompted a resurgence of certain surnames, leading to variations like Brennon or Branon that reflect phonetic simplifications in urban settings. In more recent times, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries, the migrations to North America saw names like Brannon and Brennon becoming common, often due to the influence of American English phonetics, which further diversified spelling and pronunciation. Across these various iterations, one can observe not only a geographical spread but also a fascinating tapestry of cultural influences, each form of the name telling its own story of the families who carried it through time and space.

Learn how to find your family crest.

Other resources:

• Get your official family crest here.
• Learn about heraldry at britannica.com
• See an introduction at wikipedia.com