Surname Briese - Meaning and Origin

Briese: What does the surname Briese mean?

The last name Briese is of German origin and is derived from the ancient Bavarian word ‘brisa', meaning ‘strong’. Historically, the name was used to denote a person of strength and courage and was often bestowed upon those of valiant character and/or brave heart.

The earliest known record of the Briese surname dates back to 12th century Bavaria, though the name has been known to appear in other parts of Europe as well. In the Late Middle Ages, members of the Briese family settled in the Brandenburg city of Frankfurt, from where they later spread to neighboring regions of Hesse and Saxony.

In more contemporary times, the Briese surname can be found throughout Germany, as well as other parts of the world including Scandinavia, the United States, and Canada. It remains a popular choice for given names as well, signifying a strong, noble life.

The primary coat of arms for the Briese family shows three pairs of white wings on a red background, accompanied by a white and red eagle, which symbolize courage and the strength of spirit associated with the name. The colors are heraldic, meaning they signify qualities of the bearer, and are a mark of honor and respect. In this case, they signify the courage, strength, and loyalty of the Briese family.

Briese: Where does the name Briese come from?

The last name Briese is quite common in Germany today. The geographic origin of the name is likely in northern Germany, specifically in Schleswig-Holstein. The last name Briese is composed of two parts, "bri" meaning "bridge" and "ese" meaning "dweller in or near". This indicates that the family likely traces its origins to a region near a bridge, pass or ford.

Due to the influx of immigrants from Eastern Europe in the 19th century, the last name Briese is relatively widespread in Germany today. It is particularly common in the North German area of Schleswig-Holstein, where many locals still have the last name Briese. The last name can also be found in other regions of the country, such as Lower Saxony, Hamburg, and the Ruhr area. Outside of Germany, the last name Briese can be found in comparatively smaller numbers in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, with concentrations of Brieses being found in the American states of Michigan and Wisconsin.

Overall, the last name Briese is fairly common in Germany today, and the family can trace its origins to Northern Germany, where it is still quite prevalent. Outside of Germany, the name can be found in smaller numbers, although it is still present in some numbers in countries such as the United States.

Variations of the surname Briese

The surname Briese is a German-language version derived from a locational surname, derived from any of several places in Germany called Briesen. It is also sometimes spelled Breese.

Variants of the Briese surname can include Briess, Briesen, and Briessen.

The variants of these spellings could include Briesss, Briesens, Briessens, Breess, Breesen, and Breessens.

Common surnames of the same origin include Briesemann, Briesmann, Breesemann, Breesmann, and Brismann.

Briese may also be seen spelled as Briesemeyer, Briesmeyer, Breesemeyer, Breesmeyer, and Brismeyer.

In Dutch versions of the name it is spelled Bries, Briese, Bresse, and Brise.

In Hungarian versions of the name it is spelled Breisz, or Brisz.

In Czech versions, it is spelled Bries, or Briesl.

In Swedish versions, it is spelled Bris.

In other parts of Europe, variants of the surname may include Briesacht, Briesch, Brieschke, Briesemeier, Briesengeschwandner, Brieske, Briesme, Briessel, Briesseler, Briesemann, and Brieseke.

Famous people with the name Briese

• Peter Briese: Actor, director, and producer
• Ludwig Briese: German personality, expert in economics and financial problems
• Johann Briese: German journalist
• Cora Briese: American actress
• Martin Briese: German Protestant theologian
• Imre Briese: Hungarian politician and former Prime Minister
• Katja Briese: German opera singer and recording artist
• Eric Briese: Retired American professional basketball player
• Karl Briese: German musicologist, composer, and diplomat
• Hans-Joachim Briese: German film director
• Andreas Briese: German soccer player
• Dick Briese: American professional football player
• Victoria Briese: Canadian Olympic equestrian athlete
• Birger Briese: Swedish composer
• Pat Briese: American politician
• Peter Briese: Danish Olympic handball player
• Richard Briese: British Olympic canoeist
• Chris Briese: Professional golfer from the United States
• Bill Briese: American radio talk show host
• Green Briese: English actor and singer

Other surnames

BriesBriesonBriesse