A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Brahe family of Sweden.
Reg. 6480 · Swedish, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
knightChivalry and service in arms
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ec.: aux 1 et 4 d'azur à cinq fleurs-de-lis d'arg., 2, 1 et 2; aux 2 et 3 de gu. au chevalier, arm. de toutes pièces d'arg., monté sur un cheval galopant au nat., houssé de gu., tenant une lance avec sa flamme d'arg. A un filet en croix pattée d'or, br. sur l'écartelé. Sur le tout d'or à deux demi-vols adossés de sa. Deux cq. cour. C.: 1° les fleurs-de-lis du 1; 1. d'or et d'azur; 2° le chevalier du 2; 1. d'arg. et de gu. S.: deux aigles reg. de sa., bq., m. et cour. d'or.”
Swedenc. 1561
Where the Brahe Arms Were Recorded
Stockholm
Map of Sweden showing where the Brahe arms are recorded
The Brahe arms were recorded in Sweden, c. 1561.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Stockholm.
Stockholm held the Swedish court and the House of Nobility, where every noble family's arms were entered and kept. Families ennobled for service registered there, which is why so many are recorded around the city.
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 Sweden in this period.
Eric XIV of Sweden
Sovereign of the period
Eric XIV of Sweden
1560–1568
Reigning in Sweden when the Brahe arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Sweden
In Sweden, a coat of arms belonged to a noble family as a whole rather than just one individual. These arms were passed down through the generations to all legitimate descendants. Younger branches of the family used the same shield without needing to change it. This system ensured that the entire lineage shared the same identity and status under the law.
Granting authority
The Riddarhuset, or House of Nobility, regulated all noble coats of arms in Sweden under royal authority.
How they got arms
Families received their coats of arms through royal grants of nobility which were then officially registered with the House.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the Swedish House of Nobility register starting in the year 1626.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Sweden.
Origin & History of the Brahe Family in Sweden
The Brahe family stands as one of the most prominent noble houses in the history of Sweden. While the family name became synonymous with great power and influence during the sixteenth century, its roots reach back to a medieval lineage of landowners. By the year 1561, the family had firmly established itself in Stockholm, where they held significant political authority and close ties to the Swedish monarchy. Members of the family served as high-ranking advisors and statesmen who helped shape the nation during a time of major transition. Their rise to prominence was fueled by their strategic marriages and their ability to manage vast estates across the country. Through these efforts, the Brahe name became a symbol of the Swedish aristocracy that guided the kingdom for many generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
bragd
Old Swedish term referring to a feat, deed, or achievement.
This name
BraheDerived from a noble family crest depicting a bent arm, symbolizing strength and heroic deeds.
also spelled
Braeh
Brah
Bray
Brahee
Related arms
Lünowrecorded with Brahe, same area
Maneskjöldrecorded with Brahe, same area
Sooprecorded with Brahe, same area
Walkendorfrecorded with Brahe, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Rosén, Jerker. Den svenska historien: Medeltid och renässans. 1966
Riksarkivet (National Archives of Sweden), Riksregistraturet
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
knightChivalry and service in arms
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
knightChivalry and service in arms
