Briars History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
England

Early Origins of the Briars family

The surname Briars was first found in Dumfriesshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Dhùn Phris), a Southern area, bordering on England that today forms part of the Dumfries and Galloway Council Area. "Of all the families springing from Dumfries the MacBrairs have the longest and most honourable connection, having been virtually hereditary provosts of the burgh for nigh 150 years." 1

"The name of M'Brair," says Sir Herbert Maxwell, "contains in itself a reproach to a celibate order -Mac brathair (braher) the friar's son." 1 Another source claims the name was from the Lowland Scottish word brae, meaning 'hill'.

Other early record show: John de Byres, a monk in Neubotle, Midlothian, in 1309; and Thome de Byris owned a tenement in Edinburgh in 1392.

Early History of the Briars family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Briars research. Another 330 words (24 lines of text) covering the years 1384, 1444, 1469, 1473, 1481, 1491, 1494, 1499, 1500, 1502, 1503, 1504, 1506, 1510, 1533, 1534, 1548, 1557, 1573, 1579, 1590, 1593, 1630, 1639, 1653, 1667 and 1684 are included under the topic Early Briars History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Briars Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: MacBriar, McBriar, MacBrair, McBrair, MacBraire, McBraire, MacBriare, McBriare, Briar, Brier, Brire, Briars, Briers, Brires, Braires, Brares, Braire, Brair, MacBrare, McBrare, Brare, MacBrar, McBrar, Brar, MacBrayr, McBrayr, MacBrayre, McBrayre, McBryar, MacBryar, MacBray, McBray, MacBrire, McBrire, MacBrier and many more.

Early Notables of the Briars family

More information is included under the topic Early Briars Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Briars migration to the United States +

Briars Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Jeffrey Briars, who was aboard the ship "Sea Venture" who wrecked in Bermudas in 1609, he died in Bermuda.

Briars Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Mrs. Mary Briars, aged 30, English settler who arrived at Ellis Island, New York aboard the ship "Hecla" in 1847 2
Mr. Charles Briars, aged 2, English settler who arrived at Ellis Island, New York aboard the ship "Hecla" in 1847 2
Miss. Mary Briars, English settler who arrived at Ellis Island, New York aboard the ship "Hecla" in 1847 2
Mr. William Briars, aged 30, English settler who arrived at Ellis Island, New York aboard the ship "Hecla" in 1847 2
Mr. Jno Briars, aged 4, English settler who arrived at Ellis Island, New York aboard the ship "Hecla" in 1847 2
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Briars Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Mr. John A. Briars, aged 3 months, Irish settler who arrived at Ellis Island, New York aboard the ship "Kaiserin Auguste Victoria" in 1921 2
Mr. David Briars, aged 23, Irish settler who arrived at Ellis Island, New York aboard the ship "Kaiserin Auguste Victoria" in 1921 2
Mrs. Linda Briars, aged 22, Irish settler who arrived at Ellis Island, New York aboard the ship "Kaiserin Auguste Victoria" in 1921 2

The Briars 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: In defiance

Sources +

Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
Ellis Island Search retrieved 9th February 2023. Retrieved from https://heritage.statueofliberty.org/passenger-result