A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Brandao family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 1310 · French, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Burelé d'arg. et de gu.; au lion d'or, br. sur le tout, sommé d'une couronne partie d'arg. et de gu. C.: une tête de lion d'or, semée de larmes de sa. et sommée d'une couronne coupée d'arg. sur gu.”
Francec. 1513
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Map of France showing where the Brandao arms are recorded
The Brandao arms were recorded in France, c. 1513.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bretagne.
More families held coats of arms in Bretagne than anywhere else in France. The land was divided into many small estates rather than a few large ones, so far more households counted as gentry, and each needed a shield of its own to be told apart.
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 France in this period.
Louis XII of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XII of France
1498–1515
Reigning in France when the Brandao arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in France
In France, a coat of arms was a mark of honor that passed down through the male line to all legitimate descendants. Families often used the same shield without changes to show their shared heritage. If a branch wanted to stand out, they could add a small mark to their shield to show their specific place in the family tree.
Granting authority
The Juge d'armes de France acted as the official authority that regulated and verified coats of arms across the country.
How they got arms
Families typically inherited their arms from ancestors, though they could also receive them through royal grants or by proving their noble status.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the Armorial Général de France, which began its main collection in the year 1696.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of France.
Origin & History of the Brandao Family in France
The history of the Brandao family in France is deeply rooted in the rugged landscape of Brittany, where records confirm their presence as early as 1513. During this era, the name was closely associated with the social and economic shifts occurring in the western provinces of the kingdom. Families like the Brandaos often held roles tied to local land management or maritime trade, which allowed them to establish a firm footing within the regional hierarchy. As members of the minor nobility or prosperous merchant classes, they navigated the complex political environment of the French Renaissance. Their survival and growth in the region suggest they were well-integrated into the local community, participating in the daily governance and cultural life of their Breton parishes. By maintaining these connections, the family secured their place in the historical fabric of the area for generations to come.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Or, four palets gu. on a canton sa. a lion ramp. of the field”
EnglandLondon, c. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Brandao arms are recorded
The Brandao arms were recorded in London, c. 1620.
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 France when the Brandao 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 England.
Origin & History of the Brandao Family in England
The surname Brandao carries a rich history that traces back to the Iberian Peninsula, but its presence in England became notable by the early seventeenth century. By 1620, members of the Brandao family were documented as residents of London, likely arriving as part of the growing community of merchants and refugees fleeing religious persecution in Portugal and Spain. During this era, London served as a vital hub for international trade, and families like the Brandaos often integrated into the city’s commercial life while maintaining their distinct cultural identity. These early settlers navigated a complex social landscape, often working as traders or financiers who helped connect the English economy with markets across Europe and the Atlantic. Their presence in the city records from this period highlights the family's role in the diverse tapestry of London’s population during the reign of King James I.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Brand
A burning piece of wood or a sword blade.
This name
BrandaoDerived from a Germanic personal name meaning sword or firebrand, often associated with a torchbearer.
also spelled
Brandone
Brandonn
Branden
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives Départementales d'Ille-et-Vilaine, Réformation de la noblesse de Bretagne, 1513
Poter de Courcy, Pol, Nobiliaire et armorial de Bretagne, 1890
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
lionCourage, strength and royalty
lionCourage, strength and royalty
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
