Family Name,
Brasser
Where did it originate? What does it mean?
We are pretty sure that the Brassers came from the South. The name
Brassers is quite common in Belgium and no doubt in France as well.
'Brasser' is the French word for brewing, beer-brewing that is. In today's
Dutch language it does not mean anything, but in the old days it also meant
'brewer'. Town water
supply was not like it is
today. People depended on rain water or drank beer.
Accordingly, beer was more used when thirsty than as a social drink.
Mind you, beer did not have the
alcohol content as it has nowadays. I believe that beer was good for
killing some 'nasty bugs' as well. There were many brewing industries in
every community, so there were many 'brassers'.
Sirnames were officially introduced when Napoleon conquered Europe.
Prior to this, many people were known by their trade. Jan Brasser who
lived around 1500 was known as 'Die Brasser', meaning 'The Brewer'
As mentioned before the name Brasser is quite common in Belgium. The Dutch
province Zeeland borders Belgium, and we know that
Brassers lived in the province Zeeland around
1200 - 1300.
Do they fit in our family tree or were they just some of the many beer brewers?
Did they come from Belgium?? Research in genealogy
in Zeeland is hampered by a major flood in Zeeland in the 16th century.
During this awful event, hundreds of villages were completely lost. Apart
from the terrific loss of lives and property, many records kept in
churches must have got lost as well.
For me, living at the other end of the world makes research
rather difficult. Anything YOU can tell US will be appreciated. This could
be emailed to Harry Brasser at
brasser@ihug.co.nz
By the way, there is a windmill in Zeeland, owned and run by Brassers. It
is situated just South of Biggekerke on Walcheren. Important as far as
our family tree is concerned? Interesting, anyway.
Must pay a visit next time I am in Holland.