A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Genz family of England.
Reg. 1012 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
bordureA difference between branches of one family
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
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, three fleurs-de-lis sa. on a canton of the last three martlets ar. a border of the first”
EnglandAntwerp, c. 1568
Where the Genz Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Genz arms are recorded
The Genz arms were recorded in Antwerp, c. 1568.
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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in England when the Genz 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 Genz Family in England
The family name Genz has roots that stretch back several centuries, with documented evidence placing members of the family in the city of York by the year 1568. During this period, York was a bustling center of trade and craftsmanship, and families like the Genzes were often integrated into the local merchant or artisan classes. The name itself is thought to be a variation of older Germanic or Slavic naming conventions, likely originating as a short form or a nickname for individuals with specific personal traits or occupations. As these early family members settled in Northern England, they adapted to the social and economic landscape of the Elizabethan era. Their presence in official records from the sixteenth century suggests that they were established residents who participated in the civic life of the city, contributing to the local community through their work and daily interactions.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gens
Latin term referring to a clan, race, or family group.
This name
GenzA surname derived from the Latin word for clan or lineage, often denoting ancestral origin.
also spelled
Gens-de
Gens-von
Gense
Genz
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
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Account Rolls, 1568
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
bordureA difference between branches of one family
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
bordureA difference between branches of one family
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
