A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Brad family of England.
Reg. 1634 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bordureA difference between branches of one family
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Gu. three garbs ar. within a bordure engr. of the second”
LincolnWrongle · Lincoln, c. 1620
Where the Brad Arms Were Recorded
Lincoln
Map of England showing where the Brad arms are recorded
The Brad arms were recorded in Lincoln, c. 1620.
Lincolnshire was rich farming country, and its wealth was spread across many middling families. Households of that size bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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 Brad 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 Lincoln.
Origin & History of the Brad Family in England
The family name Brad is rooted in the Old English language, where it likely functioned as a descriptive nickname derived from the word "brad," meaning broad or wide. This term was often used to describe a person of sturdy build or someone who lived near a prominent wide landmark, such as a broad field or a wide river. By the year 1620, historical records confirm that members of the Brad family were well-established in the city of Lincoln, England. During this period, Lincoln was a bustling center of trade and religion, and families living there were often involved in local commerce or skilled crafts. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of the region, contributing to the local economy and community life long before the name spread to other parts of the world.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
brad
Old English term meaning a broad or wide clearing.
This name
BradDerived from a topographical location referring to someone who lived near a wide meadow or clearing.
also spelled
Bradde
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Lincolnshire Archives, Lincoln City Council Records: Quarter Sessions and Parish Registers, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bordureA difference between branches of one family
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
bordureA difference between branches of one family
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
