Show ContentsBreise History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Picts of ancient Scotland were the tribe of the ancestors of the Breise family. The name Breise is derived from the Gaulish saint Bricius, a nephew of St. Martin of Tours in the 5th century. From Gaelic, the name means quick or speedy.

Early Origins of the Breise family

The surname Breise was first found in Morayshire, where they held a family seat from very ancient times, around the 12th century. The name was originally Bricius, a Gaulish Saint of the fifth century, a nephew of St. Martin of Tours.

Early History of the Breise family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Breise research. Another 214 words (15 lines of text) covering the years 1189, 1203, 1296, 1370, 1532, 1569, 1570, 1636, 1648, 1690, 1696 and 1773 are included under the topic Early Breise History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Breise Spelling Variations

Scribes in the Middle Ages did not have access to a set of spelling rules. They spelled according to sound, the result was a great number of spelling variations. In various documents, Breise has been spelled Bryce, Brice, Bricius, Bryse, Breise, Bryces, Brices, Bryses, Breises, Bryse, Brise, Briece and many more.

Early Notables of the Breise family

Notable amongst the Clan at this time was Bishop Bricius of Moray; Edmund Brice (fl. 1648 - 1696), an English translator and schoolmaster; Edward Brice or Bryce (1569?-1636), Scottish Presbyterian minister; and Elizabeth Brice (Amadas) (died 1532), a lady at the royal court of King Henry VIII of England who was accused of treason and claimed to be a mistress of the king.Thomas Brice (d. 1570), was an English martyrologist who was engaged early in Queen...
Another 76 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Breise Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Breise family to Ireland

Some of the Breise family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 72 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Breise family

The cruelties suffered under the new government forced many to leave their ancient homeland for the freedom of the North American colonies. Those who arrived safely found land, freedom, and opportunity for the taking. These hardy settlers gave their strength and perseverance to the young nations that would become the United States and Canada. Immigration and passenger lists have shown many early immigrants bearing the name Breise: William Bryce who settled in Virginia in 1654; followed by James in 1659; Alexander, Ann, Jane, Mary, and William Bryce, settled in New York, N.Y. in 1774.



The Breise Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Fiat justitia
Motto Translation: Let justice be done.


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