A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Brayton family of England.
Reg. 0961 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Az. two chev. betw. as many mullets or. (another, three mullets ar.)”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Brayton Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Brayton arms are recorded
The Brayton arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried 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 Brayton 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 Brayton Family in England
The surname Brayton is of English origin and is classified as a locational name, meaning it was likely taken from a specific place where the family once lived. Historical records confirm that members of the Brayton family were established in the city of York by 1620, where they were active participants in the local community. The name itself is thought to be derived from Old English words that describe a settlement located near a broad or open area of land. As the family grew, they became part of the social and economic fabric of Northern England, eventually spreading to other regions as trade and migration patterns changed. By studying these early roots in York, we can see how the name evolved from a simple geographical description into a lasting family identity that has been passed down through many generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
breiðr and tun
Old Norse words meaning broad or wide and an enclosed settlement.
This name
BraytonRefers to a person who lived near a broad or wide farmstead or enclosed piece of land.
also spelled
Brayttone
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
