Brainerd, Brainard and Braynard are 99% interchangeable, though our immigrant ancestor's (Daniel Brainerd 1641-1715) grave marker is spelled Brainerd. See memorial # 47491853. Several lines started changing to ARD in the mid-1800s. Braynard was someone's attempt to be different. My line through William has consistently spelled it ERD.

Further info here http://www.archive.org/stream/genealogyofbrain01brai#page/n39/mode/2up.

Brainerd, Brainard and Braynard are 99% interchangeable, though our immigrant ancestor's (Daniel Brainerd 1641-1715) grave marker is spelled Brainerd. See memorial # 47491853. Several lines started changing to ARD in the mid-1800s. Braynard was someone's attempt to be different. My line through William has consistently spelled it ERD.

Further info here http://www.archive.org/stream/genealogyofbrain01brai#page/n39/mode/2up.