A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bratt family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Reg. 3363 · Swedish, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
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)
“Parti d'azur et de gu.; à trois étoiles d'arg., 2 et 1, br. sur le tout. C.: deux cornes de bouquetin, de gu. et d'azur, adossées, et surm. d'une étoile d'arg.”
Swedenc. 1456
Where the Bratt Arms Were Recorded
Stockholm
Map of Sweden showing where the Bratt arms are recorded
The Bratt arms were recorded in Sweden, c. 1456.
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.
Karl Knutsson
Sovereign of the period
Karl Knutsson
1448–1457
Reigning in Sweden when the Bratt 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 Bratt Family in Sweden
The history of the Bratt family in Sweden traces back to the mid-15th century, with documented evidence placing family members in Stockholm as early as 1456. During this period, the name was often associated with individuals who held positions of influence within the growing urban centers of the Swedish realm. As the name became established, members of the family moved beyond the capital to settle in various regions, including the province of Värmland. In these rural areas, the family became deeply involved in the management of land and the early development of the Swedish iron industry. By integrating themselves into the local economy and administrative structures, the Bratt family maintained a consistent presence in Swedish society for several centuries. Their progression from city dwellers in Stockholm to prominent figures in the countryside reflects the broader social shifts occurring in Sweden during the late Middle Ages and the early modern era.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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)
“D'azur à un chicot de sin., en barre, accosté en chef de trois fleurs-de-lis d'arg., posées en bandes, rangées en barre, et acc. en p. d'une autre fleur-de-lis d'arg., posée en bande.”
Denmarkc. 1722
Where the Bratt Arms Were Recorded
Sjaælland
Map of Denmark showing where the Bratt arms are recorded
The Bratt arms were recorded in Denmark, c. 1722.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Sjaælland.
Zealand held the Danish court, the crown's offices and Copenhagen itself. Families who served the king kept estates within reach of it, and royal service 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 Denmark in this period.
Frederik IV of Denmark
Sovereign of the period
Frederik IV of Denmark
1699–1730
Reigning in Sweden when the Bratt arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Denmark
Danish heraldry during this period was closely tied to noble status and royal favor rather than being open to all citizens. Arms were typically granted by the monarch to individuals, and these symbols were then shared by all members of the noble house. If a family line died out, the right to use those specific arms ended with them.
Granting authority
The Danish royal chancery held the power to issue and regulate official coats of arms for the kingdom.
How they got arms
Families usually received their arms through a formal royal grant that confirmed their noble status and rights.
Where arms were recorded
These grants were officially recorded in the Danish Royal Chancery records starting in the sixteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Denmark.
Origin & History of the Bratt Family in Denmark
The surname Bratt has deep roots in the Danish landscape, with documented traces of the family appearing on the island of Sjaelland as early as 1722. During this period, the name was often associated with rural communities where individuals were identified by their connection to the land and their local parish. In the eighteenth century, Denmark relied heavily on church records to track the movement and growth of families, and the Bratt name appears in these registers as people navigated the social changes of the time. The name itself likely originated as a descriptive nickname, which was a common practice in Scandinavia before the widespread use of formal surnames. By settling in Sjaelland, the early members of this family became part of the long-standing agricultural and social history of the region, living through a time when Denmark was transitioning toward more modern census and record-keeping systems.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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. on a chev. az. three bezants”
StaffordshireStaffordshire, c. 1620
Where the Bratt Arms Were Recorded
Staffordshire
Map of England showing where the Bratt arms are recorded
The Bratt arms were recorded in Staffordshire, 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 Sweden when the Bratt 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 Staffordshire.
Origin & History of the Bratt Family in England
The surname Bratt has deep roots in the English Midlands, with historical records confirming the family’s presence in Staffordshire by the early seventeenth century. The name is generally considered a topographic or descriptive surname, likely originating from Old Norse or Middle English terms used to describe a person’s physical appearance or their sharp, quick-witted nature. During the 1600s, families in Staffordshire were often tied to the land through farming or local trades, and the Bratt name appears in parish registers and legal documents from this period as the family established itself within the local community. As the seventeenth century progressed, members of the family became integrated into the social and economic fabric of the region, transitioning from rural life to various professional roles that supported the growing towns of the English Midlands. This early history reflects the broader movement of families who helped define the local identity of Staffordshire through centuries of consistent residence and community involvement.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
bratt
Old Norse word meaning steep or precipitous.
This name
BrattA descriptive nickname for a person who lived on or near a steep hill or cliff.
also spelled
Bratte
Brat
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Elgenstierna, Gustaf. Den introducerade svenska adelns ättartavlor. 1925
Riksarkivet (National Archives of Sweden). Riksregistraturet. 1523–1718
Stockholms stadsarkiv (Stockholm City Archives). Stockholms stads tänkeböcker. 1456
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.