Badrian Family History & Genealogy

History

The first person to adopt the surname Badrian at the time family surnames were introduced into Europe during the Napoleonic era was Menachem-Mendel Badrian, born c. 1740, who adopted the surname around 1791, as did his two sons Abraham and Joseph. They lived in Upper Silesia, part of Prussia, later part of the German empire, and now part of Poland.

Currently, Badrians or Badrian descendants live in Germany, England, South Africa, the US, Israel, Chile, Peru, Brazil -- and Australia (where I live, it's my mother's maiden name)

Dr Paul Gardner AM.
Melbourne, Australia

Name Origin

One theory of the origins of this unusual surname is that it is related to Baldrian, the name in German for valerian, used for sleeping draughts. Baldrian appears a couple of times in early 19th century records, but then disappears. No rational explanation for the origins of the name have been put forward.

Spellings & Pronunciations

In Germany, it would have been pronounced Bah'dree-ahn. In English-speaking countries, it's Bay'drien

Nationality & Ethnicity

As mentioned, Upper Silesia (Prussia), Germany (after 1871), briefly invaded by Russia, reverted to Germany, now part of Poland. Originally associated entirely with Jewish families (although a few families with the Badrian name appear in Iran). Emigration from the late 19thC onwards and intermarriage have resulted in several non-Jewish Badrian families in the US and other countries.

Famous People named Badrian

Are there famous people from the Badrian family? Share their story.

Early Badrians

These are the earliest records we have of the Badrian family.