ABSTRACT (From 2016 Dissertation)
The development of the Brimer and Brymer surnames was examined using a dual documentary and DNA approach. As uncommon names the theory that they had a monogenetic origin was investigated. The geographical distribution of the Bremner and Brebner surnames was reviewed as they are often cited as being the origin of these surnames.
Eleven branches of the families were found to have living male name bearers in the UK, five of which descended from an illegitimate birth. A further twelve branches were identified that are no longer represented in the UK.
Six lines with living name bearers in the UK were tested using 37-marker Y-DNA tests. A penetration rate of 0.21% was achieved. The three largest lines each had two closely matching samples, validating the results to the date of their most common recent ancestor. Only two of the lines matched, with the genealogical evidence suggesting a common ancestor in the early eighteenth century.
The study has neither confirmed or ruled out that the Brimer / Brymer surnames are monogenetic. Neither has it demonstrated a definite hereditary link between the Brebner and Bremner families, although there is certainly some evidence of confusion between the names by both officials and within the families themselves in the nineteenth century. It has resulted in a solid base of documentary evidence in the civil registration period and defined clear future research directions, including hypotheses linking two lines to families no longer represented in the UK.
The results could be combined with other studies for similar sized surnames to build a more detailed picture of surnames, their origins and their relationship with Y-DNA.
Although inconclusive in terms of DNA results, this study has contributed to a greater understanding of the Brimer and Brymer families and provided an online tool for research on these families.
Brimer-Brymer database last updated at 2016-07-02 00:29:43 with 4028 census records and 2856 individuals