The BRYANT Name
The name BRYANT is generally considered a variation of the English surname BRYAN, derived from the Celtic
given name Brian, containing a Celtic element, "bre," which means "hill."
For more details see Desmond Holden's 2003 article
What's in a Name? BRYANT from The Peak Advertiser.
Kent Origins
Our earliest known Bryant ancestor was William BRYANT born in Kent, England about 1798 and married
Ann AUSTEN at the village of Benenden, Kent, on 5 December 1818.
William migrated to Australia with Ann and their seven children on the "WESTMINSTER",
which sailed from Gravesend on 25 March 1838.
Emigration from England about the time of William and Ann's departure appeared to be a
reaction to the circumstances that prevailed. On his website,
Bruce Fairhall provides some
details of life in England (and Kent) at the time and possible reasons for emigration.
Also included on his site are details of other Austins and Bryants who
emigrated to Australia from Kent in June 1838 on the "MAITLAND", also out of Gravesend.
BRYANTS in Australia
The Bryant Family
For 30 years of research of the Bryant Family in Australia, see Marilyn Mills'
Bryant Family site.
FAMILY CONNECTIONS