A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gensler family of England.
Reg. 1336 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cross symbolChristian faith and service
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Ar. three escallops gu. on a chief az. three crosses crosslet or”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Gensler Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Gensler arms are recorded
The Gensler 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 Gensler 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 Gensler Family in England
The surname Gensler is rooted in the German-speaking regions of Europe, where it originally functioned as a descriptive occupational or personal name. Linguists believe the name evolved from Middle High German terms related to the word for a goose, which often served as a nickname for someone who raised poultry or perhaps someone with a distinct personality trait. By the early 17th century, members of the family had established a presence in the historic city of York, England. This suggests that the family was part of the broader movement of continental Europeans who migrated to Britain for trade, religious freedom, or professional opportunities during the Stuart period. These early settlers integrated into the local economy of York, helping to weave their family history into the long-standing cultural fabric of northern England.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gens
Latin term referring to a clan, race, or family group.
This name
GenslerAn occupational or descriptive name for a member of a specific clan or kin group.
also spelled
Gensler
Genslour
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bahlow, Hans, Deutsches Namenlexikon: Familien- und Vornamen nach Ursprung und Sinn erklärt, 1967
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.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cross symbolChristian faith and service
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cross symbolChristian faith and service
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
