A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bright family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 6245 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Sa. on a bend betw. three mullets ar. as many cross crosslets fitchée of the field”
EnglandLondon, c. 1568
Where the Bright Arms Were Recorded
London
Map of England showing where the Bright arms are recorded
The Bright arms were recorded in London, c. 1568.
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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in England when the Bright 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 Bright Family in England
The surname Bright originated in England as a descriptive nickname for a person with a cheerful disposition or a radiant appearance. By the time the name appeared in London records during 1568, it had already been established in the country for several generations. During the late sixteenth century, families carrying this name were often involved in the growing trade and merchant networks of the capital city. As London expanded into a global center for commerce, individuals named Bright contributed to the city’s development through various crafts and business ventures. The name reflects the medieval tradition of using personal traits to distinguish members of a community, and it eventually became a permanent family identifier as surnames became mandatory for legal and tax purposes.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Per pale az. and or, a bend betw. two mullets, all counterchanged”
Irelandc. 1645
Where the Bright Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Bright arms are recorded
The Bright 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 England when the Bright 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 Bright Family in Ireland
The Bright family name in Ireland is deeply connected to the shifting political and social landscape of the seventeenth century. While the name itself is of English origin, records confirm that members of the family were firmly established in Dublin by 1645. During this period, Dublin served as a central hub for administrators, merchants, and soldiers who had arrived from Britain to manage the affairs of the English Crown. The presence of the Bright family in the city suggests they were likely part of this growing professional class, potentially involved in the trade networks or the civil administration that defined Dublin life at the time. As the city expanded, families like the Brights became integrated into the local economy, helping to shape the urban development of the capital during a time of significant historical upheaval.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
beorht
Old English word meaning bright, shining, or radiant.
This name
BrightA descriptive nickname for a person with a cheerful disposition or a fair complexion.
also spelled
Bryght
Bryghte
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
The National Archives, State Papers Domestic, Elizabeth I, 1568
London Metropolitan Archives, City of London Parish Registers, 1568
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
cross symbolChristian faith and service
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
