Galbraith


The surname Galbraith is derived from the Gaelic elements gall, meaning "stranger", and Breathnach, meaning "Briton". As such, the surname can be taken to mean "British foreigner", "British Scandinavian", "foreign Briton", or "stranger-Briton". The surname Galbraith can be rendered in Scottish Gaelic as Mac a' Bhreatannaich.
The surname is borne by members of Clan Galbraith. The clan is known in Gaelic as Clann a' Bhreatannaich. The earliest recorded chief of this family may be "Gillcrist Bretnach", a man attested in 1193. This man's name could indicate that he was either of Welsh or North British ancestry.
Early examples of forms of the surname include: "Gillescop Galbrad" in 1208×1214; "Gillescop Galbrath" in 1208×1214; "Gillescop Gallebrad" in 1208×1214; "Wilielmo filio Arthuri filii Galbrait" in 1239; "Gillaspec Galbraith" in 1208×1241; and "Mauritio filio Gillaspic Galbraith" in 1208×1265.

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