Some noteworthy people of the name Brandt

• Bill Brandt (1904-1983), British (German-born) photographer
• Helmut Brandt (1931-2001), German, composer, bandleader, and baritone saxophonist
• Hermann Wilhelm Brandt (1904-1983), German photographer
• Willy Brandt (b. 1913), former Chancellor of Germany, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1971
• Carl David Brandt (b.1928), American virologist
• jackie Brandt (b. 1934), American, professional (Major League) baseball player.

Coat of Arms and History

Where did the German Brandt family come from? Is this our correct family crest? When did the Brandt family first arrive in Africa? What is the history of the family name?

According to some research the German name Brandt finds its roots in the word "brand," which means "sword." There is various spelling differentiations accorded to the surname, due to the fact that there were no spelling rules in midieval times and scribes recorded names according to their sound. The spelling variations of Brandt include Bran, Brande, Brant, Brend, Brandis and many more. Does this mean that al the above are actually from the same tree, but just spelled differently? I would love to know>

First found in Bavaria, where the family came from humble beginnings but gained a significant reputation for its contribution to the emerging mediaeval society.

Between the mid-17th and mid-20th centruries, German settlers arrived in North America by the thousands. persecution based on religion and poverty were great motivators in this large-scale migration. So too was the opportunity for tenat farmers to own their own land. Ample land and opportunity awaited setllers in America. However, what is the history regarding those settlers than came to Africa?

Welcome to my blog. I am trying to record the history of the Brandt family in Africa. We know that we have a proud German lineage, but what exact impact we had on Africa is still very distorted or not known at all. Well, that is according to my, albeit trivial, research on this matter. I welcome anyone that can assist me. I will also - well, as far as humanly possible in a very strict program - upload pictures and research that I could find.