A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gannett family of England.
Reg. 2978 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
billetThe sealed letter, and a message delivered
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Or, a lion ramp. sa. billettée ar”
CambridgeCambridge, c. 1620
Where the Gannett Arms Were Recorded
Cambridge
Map of England showing where the Gannett arms are recorded
The Gannett arms were recorded in Cambridge, c. 1620.
Cambridgeshire was flat, rich farming country with the university at its centre. Fen drainage made new land and new fortunes, and families who gained by it bought manors and took arms to match.
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 England when the Gannett 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 Cambridge.
Origin & History of the Gannett Family in England
The surname Gannett is believed to have originated in England, likely derived from the Old French word "ganet," which refers to a type of seabird. By the early 17th century, members of the family had established themselves in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, with historical records confirming their presence in Cambridge by 1620. These early settlers were part of the initial wave of English migration that shaped the social and political landscape of colonial New England. As they integrated into the developing community, the family became known for their contributions to local governance and trade. The name eventually spread across the American colonies as descendants moved outward from the Cambridge area to pursue new opportunities in farming and commerce.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Garin
Derived from the Germanic element meaning spear or warrior.
This name
GannettA diminutive form of the name Garin, historically used as a patronymic surname.
also spelled
Gannett
Ganett
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Banks, Charles Edward, The Planters of the Commonwealth: A Study of the Emigrants and Emigrations in Colonial Times, 1930
Savage, James, A Genealogical Dictionary of the First Settlers of New England, 1860
Massachusetts State Archives, Massachusetts Archives Collection: Colonial Records, 1620–1686
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
lionCourage, strength and royalty
billetThe sealed letter, and a message delivered
lionCourage, strength and royalty
billetThe sealed letter, and a message delivered
