A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bre family of France.
Reg. 0528 · French, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“De gu. à la bande d'arg., acc. de quatre molettes d'or, 2 en chef et 2 en p.”
LanguedocLanguedoc, c. 1663
Where the Bre Arms Were Recorded
Languedoc
Map of France showing where the Bre arms are recorded
The Bre arms were recorded in Languedoc, c. 1663.
Languedoc stretched across the south of France, a country of small towns, vineyards and old local families. Its gentry were numerous rather than grand, and a great many of them held arms even where their estates were modest.
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 XIV of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XIV of France
1643–1715
Reigning in France when the Bre 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 Languedoc.
Origin & History of the Bre Family in France
The family name Bre traces its roots to the historic Languedoc region of southern France, where records confirm members of the family were established by 1663. During this period, Languedoc was a vibrant area known for its distinct culture and agricultural importance. Families living in this region often took names that reflected their local surroundings or specific geographic landmarks. The name Bre likely evolved from these local linguistic roots, serving as a way to identify families within their specific village or parish communities. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of the Languedoc countryside, participating in the daily life and regional traditions that defined the seventeenth century. Their presence in official documents from this era highlights a long-standing connection to the land and the history of southern France.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Breda
A Germanic term referring to a broad or wide clearing.
This name
BreA locative surname denoting someone who originated from a wide, open area or clearing.
also spelled
Bress
Bre
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales de l'Hérault, Série E: État civil et registres paroissiaux
Le Roy Ladurie, Emmanuel, Les Paysans de Languedoc, 1966
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
