A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Brest family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Reg. 7590 · Dutch, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
axeThe execution of military duty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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 sa. à deux haches d'arg., emm. d'or, passées en saut. (quelquefois acc. au point du chef d'une étoile d'or). C.: une tête et col de femme de carn., posée de face; entre un vol, de sa. et d'arg.”
FlandreFlandre, c. 1815
Where the Brest Arms Were Recorded
Map of Netherlands showing where the Brest arms are recorded
The Brest arms were recorded in Flandre, c. 1815.
Flandre grew rich on cloth, and its towns were among the busiest in Europe. Merchant families bought land with their profits and took arms to go with it, so trade put as many names in the registers here as land did.
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.
Region
Flandre
First recorded
1815
Granting Authority for the Brest Arms
Hoge Raad van Adel
Photograph made by me · CC BY-SA 3.0
The body that granted and recorded arms in Netherlands in this period.
William I of the Netherlands
Sovereign of the period
William I of the Netherlands
1815–1840
Reigning in Netherlands when the Brest arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Netherlands
In the Netherlands, coats of arms were often used by noble families and those who held specific public offices. These arms were passed down through the generations to legitimate descendants. Younger branches of a family usually kept the original design without needing to add special marks. This system ensured that the family identity remained clear and consistent over many years.
Granting authority
The Hoge Raad van Adel is the official body that regulates and manages noble titles and coats of arms in the Netherlands.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through official royal grants or by proving their long-standing historical use of the symbols.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms are officially recorded in the registers held by the Hoge Raad van Adel, which began its work in 1814.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Flandre.
Origin & History of the Brest Family in Netherlands
The family name Brest has deep roots in the Low Countries, particularly within the historical region of Flanders. By the early nineteenth century, records confirm that members of the family were well-established in this area, which was a hub of trade and agricultural activity. The name likely originated as a topographic descriptor, referring to individuals who lived near specific coastal features or settlements that shared the name. During the Napoleonic era and the subsequent formation of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1815, families in Flanders were often subject to new civil registration laws. These official records helped solidify the spelling of the name as it transitioned from local dialects into standardized Dutch and French administrative documents. As the region navigated significant political changes, the Brest family remained part of the local social fabric, contributing to the professional and economic life of the Flemish provinces.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
Colours
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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 sin. au lévrier ramp. d'or.”
FlandreSchiedam · Flandre, c. 1663
Where the Brest Arms Were Recorded
Flandre
Map of France showing where the Brest arms are recorded
The Brest arms were recorded in Flandre, c. 1663.
Flandre grew rich on cloth, and its towns were among the busiest in Europe. Merchant families bought land with their profits and took arms to go with it, so trade put as many names in the registers here as land did.
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 Netherlands when the Brest 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 Flandre.
Origin & History of the Brest Family in France
The family name Brest has deep roots in the northern regions of France, specifically within the historic territory of Flandre. By the year 1663, records confirm that members of the family were already established in this area, which was a bustling center of trade and agriculture during the seventeenth century. The name itself likely originated as a topographical identifier, serving as a way to distinguish individuals based on their proximity to specific geographic features or local landmarks. Living in Flandre during this era meant the family was part of a region frequently shaped by shifting borders and intense cultural exchange between French and neighboring influences. As the family grew, they integrated into the local social fabric, contributing to the development of their community through their daily labor and civic participation. This early presence in Flandre highlights a history defined by resilience and a strong connection to the land that sustained them for generations.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
orlePreservation, and protection in battle
cross symbolChristian faith and service
cinquefoilHope and joy
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Sa. a cinquefoil betw. an orle of crosses crosslet or”
KentKent, c. 1620
Where the Brest Arms Were Recorded
Kent
Map of England showing where the Brest arms are recorded
The Brest arms were recorded in Kent, c. 1620.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats 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 England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in Netherlands when the Brest 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 Kent.
Origin & History of the Brest Family in England
The family name Brest first appears in the historical record of England within the county of Kent during the early seventeenth century. By 1620, members of the family were established in this region, which served as a primary gateway for trade and travel between England and the European continent. The name likely originated as a topographic descriptor or a locative surname, possibly referring to individuals who hailed from the coastal city of Brest in Brittany, France. During this era, Kent was a hub of maritime activity, and many families moved across the English Channel to seek new opportunities in agriculture or commerce. As these settlers integrated into English society, the name became a permanent fixture in local parish registers and legal documents. This transition marked the beginning of the family’s long-standing presence in the English landscape, reflecting the broader patterns of migration that shaped the population of the British Isles during the Stuart period.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Brest
Derived from the Middle Dutch word brest meaning a breach or gap.
This name
BrestRefers to a person who lived near a breach in a dike or wall.
also spelled
Breste
Brestt
Brast
Brist
Breist
Related arms
Barbierrecorded with Brest, same area
Duboisrecorded with Brest, same area
Leroyrecorded with Brest, same area
Noletrecorded with Brest, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Nationaal Archief, Burgerlijke Stand in Nederland (1811-1942)
Rijksarchief in België, État civil / Burgerlijke stand (1796-1910)
Debrabandere, Frans, Woordenboek van de familienamen in België en Noord-Frankrijk, 2003
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
axeThe execution of military duty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
axeThe execution of military duty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
orlePreservation, and protection in battle
cross symbolChristian faith and service
cinquefoilHope and joy
