Brookfield (surname)

Brookfield is a surname of English origin. It is derived from a place name, most likely a village or settlement near a brook (a small stream). The name signifies "field by the brook" or "field near the brook."

The name is topographical, meaning it describes a physical feature of the landscape. Surnames of this type were commonly adopted in medieval England as people began to migrate from rural areas to larger settlements, using their place of origin as a means of identification.

Variations of the spelling may include BrookeField, Brookefeild, and similar forms.

The Brookfield surname can be found primarily in England, and among populations with English ancestry in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

A search of genealogical records and historical documents is recommended for individuals seeking to trace the specific origins of their family lineage bearing the Brookfield surname.