A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bretton family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 9677 · French, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'or à trois pals de sa.; au chef (de gu.)”
LorraineLorraine, c. 1663
Where the Bretton Arms Were Recorded
Lorraine
Map of France showing where the Bretton arms are recorded
The Bretton arms were recorded in Lorraine, c. 1663.
Lorraine sat on the border between France and the German lands, and border country bred soldiers. Families here held small estates and served in arms, and a fighting man was exactly the sort who carried a shield of his own.
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 Bretton 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 Lorraine.
Origin & History of the Bretton Family in France
The family name Bretton finds its roots in the historical landscape of eastern France, specifically within the region of Lorraine. By the year 1663, records confirm that members of the family were established in this area, which served as a vital crossroads between French and Germanic cultures. The name itself likely originated as a locative descriptor, identifying individuals who were either migrants from the Brittany region or people who held ties to land associated with that name. During the seventeenth century, Lorraine was a territory defined by shifting borders and frequent military conflicts, which forced families to be highly resilient and adaptable. Living in this borderland meant that the Bretton family was likely involved in the agricultural or administrative life of the duchy during a time of significant political transition. Their presence in the region during this era highlights a history of endurance and integration within a complex European society.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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. two hounds paleways gu”
Irelandc. 1645
Where the Bretton Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Bretton arms are recorded
The Bretton 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 France when the Bretton 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 Bretton Family in Ireland
The history of the Bretton name in Ireland is deeply connected to the turbulent political landscape of the seventeenth century. While the name likely originated from settlers of British descent, records confirm that members of the family were firmly established in Dublin by 1645. During this period, Dublin served as a strategic center for administration and trade, making it a common destination for families seeking new opportunities or fleeing instability in other regions. As the family integrated into the local community, they navigated the complex social shifts occurring under the influence of the English administration. Their presence in the capital city suggests they were likely involved in the urban professional or merchant classes that defined Dublin life at the time. By settling in such a vital location, the early Brettons became part of the long history of migration and cultural exchange that shaped the development of Ireland’s largest city.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Britto
A Latin term referring to the ancient Celtic people of Britain.
This name
BrettonA habitational name denoting someone who originated from the region of Brittany.
also spelled
Brettonn
Brettone
Breton
Bretten
Related arms
Le Bretonvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales de Meurthe-et-Moselle, Registres paroissiaux de Lorraine
Cabourdin, Guy, La vie quotidienne en Lorraine au XVIIe siècle, 1984
Martin, Jean-Marie, Histoire de la Lorraine, 1998
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
