Map of Scotland showing where the Gilbreath arms are recorded
The Gilbreath arms were recorded in Dumbarton, c. 1748.
Dumbartonshire sat where the Clyde meets the Highlands, guarded by a royal castle. Families held land in return for service, and service in arms brought a shield with it.
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 Scotland in this period.
George II of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George II of Great Britain
1727–1760
Reigning in Scotland when the Gilbreath arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Scotland
Scottish heraldry is unique because it treats a coat of arms as a piece of personal property protected by law. Only one person can own a specific design at any given time. When a family grows, the head keeps the original shield while other relatives must apply for their own distinct version with slight changes to prove their specific identity.
Granting authority
The Court of the Lord Lyon acts as the official body that regulates and controls all heraldic matters throughout Scotland.
How they got arms
Individuals obtain a legal right to their arms through a formal petition process that confirms their identity and family connection.
Where arms were recorded
All valid coats of arms are officially entered into the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings starting from 1672.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Dumbarton.
Origin & History of the Gilbreath Family in Scotland
The surname Gilbreath is a Scottish name that originated from the Gaelic phrase *Gille Bhrath*, which translates to servant of judgment or servant of the divine. The family roots are deeply tied to the rugged landscapes of Scotland, where the name evolved through various spellings as it moved across different regions. By the mid-eighteenth century, the family established a notable presence in the town of Dumbarton. This location was a significant center for trade and military history due to its strategic position near the River Clyde and its famous castle. Families living in this area during the 1740s were often involved in local commerce or skilled labor, contributing to the growth of the town during a period of great social and economic change in Scotland. The presence of the Gilbreath name in Dumbarton records from 1748 serves as a clear marker of the family's integration into the local community during this era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gille Brath
Servant of the judgment or servant of the divine decree.
This name
GilbreathA Scottish locational or occupational surname derived from Gaelic, signifying a devoted follower of religious judgment.
also spelled
Galbraith
Galbrath
Galbraithe
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History, 1946
National Records of Scotland, Kirk Session Records of Dumbarton, CH2/433/3, 1748
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bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
