A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bernas family of England.
Reg. 4016 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
bordureA difference between branches of one family
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ar. a fesse embattled counter-embattled (another, crenellée) within a bordure sa”
SuffolkSuffolk, c. 1620
Where the Bernas Arms Were Recorded
Suffolk
Map of England showing where the Bernas arms are recorded
The Bernas arms were recorded in Suffolk, c. 1620.
Suffolk was wool country, and its cloth towns were among the wealthiest in England. Clothier families bought manors with their profits, and holding a manor was the ordinary route to a coat of arms.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Bernas arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Suffolk.
Origin & History of the Bernas Family in England
The family name Bernas has deep roots that trace back to the rural landscapes of Suffolk, England, during the early seventeenth century. By 1620, records confirm that members of the family were already established in this region, living as part of the local agrarian society. The name itself likely evolved from older linguistic traditions, potentially serving as a descriptive label for individuals who lived near specific landmarks or held certain roles within their village communities. As these early ancestors navigated the social and economic changes of the Stuart era, they contributed to the steady development of Suffolk’s parish life. Their presence in the historical record during this time highlights a family that was well-integrated into the fabric of English life long before the name spread to other parts of the world.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bern
Derived from the Germanic word for bear.
This name
BernasA locational or occupational surname likely referring to someone associated with bears or a bear-like nature.
also spelled
Bernaz
Bernasse
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Suffolk Archives, Bury St Edmunds Parish Registers, 1620
The National Archives, Lay Subsidy Rolls for the County of Suffolk, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
bordureA difference between branches of one family
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
bordureA difference between branches of one family
