A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Denny family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Reg. 7823 · French, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
cross symbolChristian faith and service
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“De gu. au saut. d'arg., cant. de douze croisettes pattées du même.”
FrancePhiladelphie, c. 1725
Where the Denny Arms Were Recorded
Bretagne
Map of France showing where the Denny arms are recorded
The Denny arms were recorded in Philadelphie, c. 1725.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bretagne.
More families held coats of arms in Bretagne than anywhere else in France. The land was divided into many small estates rather than a few large ones, so far more households counted as gentry, and each needed a shield of its own to be told apart.
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 XV of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XV of France
1715–1774
Reigning in France when the Denny 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 France.
Origin & History of the Denny Family in France
The family name Denny has deep roots in the historical landscape of France, particularly within the rugged and culturally distinct region of Brittany. By the early eighteenth century, records confirm that members of the family were well-established in this area, living as part of a society shaped by maritime trade and traditional farming. The name itself likely evolved from the personal name Denis, which was popular across France due to the influence of Saint Denis, the patron saint of the country. Families living in Brittany during the 1720s often navigated a complex social structure where local customs and the French language began to blend more closely. As the Denny family settled into these communities, they became part of the local fabric, participating in the daily life of parish records and regional commerce that defined life in western France long before the major political shifts of the later century.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
bordureA difference between branches of one family
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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. a chev. within a bordure engr. sa. quartered by ROSCARROCK”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Denny Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Denny arms are recorded
The Denny arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried arms.
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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in France when the Denny 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 Denny Family in England
The surname Denny is rooted in the medieval period of England and likely originated as a topographic name for someone who lived near a wooded valley or a low-lying pasture. The name is derived from the Old English word denu, which translates to valley. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Denny family were active participants in the social and economic life of this northern hub during the reign of King James I. As the family settled in York, they became part of the local fabric of the city, which was then a center for trade and religious administration. Over time, the name spread from these northern roots to various parts of the country, reflecting the natural migration patterns of families seeking new opportunities in growing English towns.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Gu. a saltire betw. nine crosses pattée, three in chief and a like number on each side ar. in base a lion pass. guard. or”
IrelandHyde Park, c. 1645
Where the Denny Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Denny arms are recorded
The Denny arms were recorded in Hyde Park, 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 Denny 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 Denny Family in Ireland
The history of the Denny name in Ireland is deeply connected to the political and social shifts of the seventeenth century. While the name has roots in England and France, records confirm that members of the family were firmly established in Dublin by 1645. During this period, Dublin served as a central hub for administration and trade, making it a common destination for families seeking new opportunities or serving in government roles. As the family settled into Irish life, they became part of the complex social fabric of a city undergoing significant change. Over the following decades, the name spread beyond the capital as family members took on roles in local governance and land management. This transition from newcomers to established residents reflects the broader movement of families who helped shape the administrative history of Ireland during the mid-1600s.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Dionysius
Derived from the Greek god of wine and fertility.
This name
DennyA French diminutive form of the name meaning follower of Dionysus.
also spelled
Denniy
Dennyy
Dennye
Deny
Denney
Related arms
Denniéevariant spelling
Denisvariant spelling
Denneyvariant spelling
Dennisvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales du Finistère, Série B (Cours et juridictions)
Archives départementales d'Ille-et-Vilaine, Série E (Familles et notaires)
Dauzat, Albert, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms et prénoms de France, 1951
Morlet, Marie-Thérèse, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de famille, 1991
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saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
cross symbolChristian faith and service
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
cross symbolChristian faith and service
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
bordureA difference between branches of one family
lionCourage, strength and royalty
