A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gennett family of England.
Reg. 5685 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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. two chevronels gu. betw. six martlets sa. three, two, and one”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Gennett Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Gennett arms are recorded
The Gennett 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 England when the Gennett 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 Gennett Family in England
The Gennett family name has roots that trace back to the early seventeenth century in the historic city of York, England. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the family were established residents in this region during a period of significant social and political change. The name itself is thought to be a variation of older occupational or locational surnames that evolved as families moved through different English parishes. By settling in York, which served as a major center for trade and administration, the early Gennetts were positioned within a vibrant community that influenced their daily lives and economic opportunities. Over the following generations, the family name became tied to the local history of Northern England as they adapted to the shifting landscape of the seventeenth century.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Jean
A diminutive form of the Hebrew name meaning God is gracious.
This name
GennettA patronymic surname derived from a diminutive of John, indicating son of little John.
also spelled
Jennett
Jenet
Related arms
Jennetsame arms
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
