Brideau

Recorded in a number of spellings including Bride, Brides, Bridant, Bridat, Brideau, Brideaux, Bridet, Bridoneau, Bridon, Bridier, Bridoux and others, this is a surname of French origins. There are apparently three possible origins. The word 'bride' was originally a medieval term for a maker of bridles and horsegear, and was therefore occupational, and that seems to have been the meaning in the south and east of France. A second possible origin is a nickname or short form from the pre 7th century female personal name Brigida, the later Brigitte, and hence what is known as a metronymic, or a surname which originated from a the female side of the family, perhaps because they were wealthier than the male side, or the husband was already dead. A third possible option is again occupational for a lace maker, 'bride' being a particular type a interlacing which was apparently popular in ancient times. The surname when found in England is probably of 17th century Huguenot refugee status. Examples of English recordings include Daniel Brideau or Bredeau at St Martins in the Field, Westminster, on January 26th 1700, and John Brideaux at Ebenezer Chapel, Stalybridge, Cheshire, on February 18th 1829.