A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bren family of Ireland.
Reg. 2469 · Irish, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
handFaith, sincerity and justice
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Ar. a chev. betw. three dexter hands couped at the wrist sa”
Irelandc. 1645
Where the Bren Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Bren arms are recorded
The Bren arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Ireland when the Bren arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ireland.
Origin & History of the Bren Family in Ireland
The family name Bren has deep roots in Irish history, with documented evidence placing members of the family in Dublin as early as 1645. During the mid-seventeenth century, Dublin was a bustling center of trade and political change, making it a significant location for families to establish their presence. The name is often associated with the anglicized version of older Gaelic surnames, reflecting the complex linguistic shifts that occurred as Ireland transitioned through periods of colonial influence. Early bearers of the name likely navigated the social and economic challenges of the era, working within the city's growing merchant and artisan classes. By settling in a major urban hub like Dublin, the family became part of the city's evolving identity during a time of great upheaval and transition in Irish society.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ó Braonáin
Descendant of the sorrowful or sad one
This name
BrenDerived from the Gaelic word braon meaning moisture, drop, or sorrow
also spelled
Brenne
Breyn
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
MacLysaght, Edward, The Surnames of Ireland, 1985
National Archives of Ireland, Civil Survey of the County of Dublin, 1654–1656
Woulfe, Patrick, Sloinnte Gaedheal is Gall: Irish Names and Surnames, 1923
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
handFaith, sincerity and justice
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
handFaith, sincerity and justice
