Surname Browster - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'B'
Browster: What does the surname Browster mean?
The last name Browster is of English origin. It is thought to have first appeared in Cheshire, England and can be found in various regions throughout Europe and the United States.
The surname Browster has several possible origins. It is thought to have two main divisions; either deriving from the Old English words "burg" or "burh" meaning fortified town or castle; or peculiarly from the Celtic word "brwstyr" meaning hairdresser.
In terms of the first possible origin of the name, those named Browster are thought to be descended from ethnic Anglo-Saxons. Those with the last name could have had an ancestor who worked as a garrison soldier or a burgher.
The second given origin could be of Celtic roots. In this instance, the name implies that the family's ancestor was likely a hairstylist or even a barber.
Regardless of the origin, the surname Browster is a unique and powerful one. It is no surprise that it has been and continues to be found around the globe, and is a reminder of the diverse, far-reaching history of our species.
Order DNA origin analysisBrowster: Where does the name Browster come from?
The last name Browster is most commonly found in Europe today, particularly in countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and Poland. It can also be found in the United States, with higher concentrations of Browsters in some areas such as New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
The root of the last name Browster is believed to come from an Old English word meaning "worker of brooms," making it a trade name. It is thought to have been used to identify people who made and sold brooms and other similar items.
The surname Browster is popular among Ashkenazi Jews, meaning it is likely that it was adopted during migrations from Eastern Europe. It is also the anglicized version of a Slavic term meaning "woodcarver," an indication that the families carrying the name may have initially been wood carvers before searching Europe for other contract work.
Finally, it is possible that the last name Browster is related to the term "brewster," indicating that the forebears of Browsters were brewers in the Middle Ages. Regardless of the role of the people who first carried the name, it is clear that the last name Browster is one with a long and varied history.
Variations of the surname Browster
The surname Browster has a variety of variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. Some of these include Brouster, Browster, Broustere, Browstere, Bruester, Broerster, Brouwer, Brauer, Brawer, Braer and Brewer.
Browster is an English and German habitational name derived from the Old English personal name ‘Brōfstir’, a compound of two elements: the first part derived from the Old English 'brōd' meaning 'broad' or 'wide' and the second part, 'stir', meaning 'stump or standing tree’.
Descendants of that name have adopted various other spellings of the name, as well as other surname variants and alternate spellings, which may have arisen due to differences in regional dialects, the influence of other languages, or to sound more ‘English’.
In some cases, the use of other surnames with similar phonetics may even be the result of a deliberate change of name, during periods of high migration, to try and disguise origins or avoid religious persecution.
In England, the most commonly found variants of the name include, Brouster, Browster and Broustere. In Germany, the most common variant is Brauer, which is derived from the French occupiers during the 12th century.
In the United States, the most common variants of the name include, Brower, Bower, Brower and Brawer. In France, it is generally spelled Brousseau or Brosseau.
In Scotland, it became anglicized to Broerster or Brouer. The Dutch variant of the name is Brouwer and in Sweden the variant is Brooster.
Famous people with the name Browster
- David Bauerschmidt Browster: David Bauerschmidt Browster is a writer and actor who has had roles in several television shows, movies, and plays. He is best known for his roles in the television shows “Suddenly Susan” and “Becker.”
- Rachel Browster: Rachel Browster is a singer and pianist known for her work in Musical Theatre. She has appeared in several productions, including The Phantom of the Opera, School of Rock, and Annie.
- Steven Browster: Steven Browster is a lawyer based in New York. He is the founding and managing partner at Browster PLLC, a law firm focusing on corporate law.
- Adam Browster: Adam Browster is a musician and multi-instrumentalist, and the frontman for the band Room to Breathe. He is also the founder of several music-related initiatives, such as The Music Room and The Songwriting Academy.
- Stan Browster: Stan Browster is an actor and writer with credits in several movies and television shows. He is best known for his role in the show “Friends” and for his work in the movie “The Interview.”
- Chad Browster: Chad Browster is an entrepreneur, investor, and real estate developer. He is best known for his work in the development of The Atlantis Hotel and Resort in the Bahamas, as well as his investments in several startup companies.
- Maria Browster: Maria Browster is a musician, known for her performances with the bands Ed Gein and My Chemical Romance. She has released several solo records and also composes for film and television.
- Kayla Browster: Kayla Browster is a professional dancer who has performed on tour with Beyoncé and The Saturdays. She has also appeared in several music videos and television shows.
- Lila Browster: Lila Browster is an accomplished athlete who holds two World Championships in Women's Wrestling. She was also the first American woman to win the title of World Wrestling Champion.