Debruyn History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

A variety of prominent surnames, such as the name Debruyn, were formed in the lands which became the modern German state of Prussia, known its beauty, industry and military power. However, in the medieval era, Prussia was fragmented and inhabited by numerous barbarian tribes, who fought amongst themselves for control of the land. The borders of the barbarian kingdoms, which were established after the fall of the Roman Empire, changed repeatedly. The region that came to be known as Prussia was roughly divided between the territories of Brandenburg-Prussia, West Prussia and East Prussia. The Debruyn family emerged in Brandenburg-Prussia, which is essentially the birthplace of modern Germany. By the 19th century, Brandenburg-Prussia had incorporated East Prussia, West Prussia and many other German territories. Moreover, in the late 19th century, it led the German states in the unification of Germany.

Early Origins of the Debruyn family

The surname Debruyn was first found in Brandenburg, where the name Brunn was closely identified in early mediaeval times with the feudal society which would become prominent throughout European history. The name would later emerge as a noble family with great influence, having many distinguished branches, and become noted for its involvement in social, economic and political affairs.

Early History of the Debruyn family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Debruyn research.

Debruyn Spelling Variations

Many cultural groups lived in the German states in medieval times. Each had its own dialect and traditions, and unique variations of popular names. Low German, which is similar to contemporary Dutch, was spoken in Westphalia. German names are characterized by additions such as regional suffixes and phrases that tell something about the origin or background of its original bearer. Further contributing to the variation in German names was the fact that there were no spelling rules in medieval times: scribes recorded names according to their sound. The recorded spelling variations of Debruyn include Brunn, Bruen, Bruennen, Bruenne, Brunne, Brune, Brunes, Bruene, Bruhn, Bruehn, Bruhnne, Bruehnne, Bruhne, Bruehne, Bronn, Broenn, Bron, Broen, Bronnen, Broennen, Bronne, Broenne, Brone, Broene, Brones, Broenes, Brohn, Broehn, Brohnne, Broehnne, Brohne and many more.

Debruyn Ranking

In Netherlands, the name Debruyn is the 469^th most popular surname with an estimated 3,643 people with that name. [1] However, in South Africa, the name Debruyn is ranked the 482^ndmost popular surname with an estimated 14,852 people with that name. [2]

 Debruyn migration to the United States +

The state of Prussia was a great influence on the shape of modern Germany. After the Second World War, Prussia’s land was divided among the Soviet Union, Poland, East Germany and West Germany and the state was abolished. Some Prussians remained in those countries after the war, while many others migrated to North America in search of a new start. Philadelphia was their primary point of entry to the United States, after which many of them moved on to Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. A large number of Prussians also migrated to Ontario and the prairie provinces as United Empire Loyalists. Analysis of immigration records has shown some of the first Debruyns to arrive in North America, and among them were: 

Debruyn Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

• Huybert DeBruyn, who landed in New Netherland(s) in 1658 [3]
• Albert Adriaense DeBruyn, who landed in New York in 1663 [3]
• Albert Adriaensz DeBruyn, who arrived in New Netherland(s) in 1663 [3]

Debruyn Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

• Robbertus Mercellus DeBruyn, aged 26, who landed in New York, NY in 1847 [3]

Contemporary Notables of the name Debruyn (post 1700) +

• Claude De Bruyn (1943-2020), Belgian serviceman and television animator