Map of England showing where the Gunn arms are recorded
The Gunn arms were recorded in Norfolk, c. 1620.
Norfolk grew rich on wool and grain, and its wealth was spread among many middling families rather than a few great ones. Households of that kind bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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 Gunn 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 Norfolk.
Origin & History of the Gunn Family in England
The surname Gunn has deep roots in the history of England, particularly within the county of Norfolk. The name itself is derived from the Old Norse word gunnr, which translates to war or battle. This suggests that the family name originated from Viking settlers who arrived in East Anglia during the period of the Danelaw. By the early 17th century, the family was well established in Norfolk, where they worked as farmers and tradespeople. Records from 1620 confirm their presence in the region, showing that they were part of the local community long before the major migrations to the American colonies. The family name reflects a long history of resilience and adaptation as they moved from their Scandinavian origins to become a permanent part of the English landscape.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bordureA difference between branches of one family
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
shipEnterprise, and a great voyage undertaken
flag / pennantA command held, and a following kept
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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 galley of three masts, her sails furled and oars in action sa. flags gu. within a bordure az. on a chief of the third a bear's head of the first, muzzled of the second betw. two mullets of the field”
SutherlandSutherland, c. 1748
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of Scotland showing where the Gunn arms are recorded
The Gunn arms were recorded in Sutherland, c. 1748.
Sutherland was empty Highland country in the far north, held by a very small number of families. Land there rarely changed hands, and families who held it appear in the records.
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 Scotland in this period.
George II of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George II of Great Britain
1727–1760
Reigning in England when the Gunn arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Scotland
Scottish heraldry is unique because it treats a coat of arms as a piece of personal property protected by law. Only one person can own a specific design at any given time. When a family grows, the head keeps the original shield while other relatives must apply for their own distinct version with slight changes to prove their specific identity.
Granting authority
The Court of the Lord Lyon acts as the official body that regulates and controls all heraldic matters throughout Scotland.
How they got arms
Individuals obtain a legal right to their arms through a formal petition process that confirms their identity and family connection.
Where arms were recorded
All valid coats of arms are officially entered into the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings starting from 1672.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Sutherland.
Origin & History of the Gunn Family in Scotland
The Gunn family name has deep roots in the rugged landscape of the far north of Scotland, particularly within the county of Sutherland. Historians believe the name originates from the Old Norse word gunnr, which means war or battle. This suggests that the early ancestors of the family were likely of Viking descent, reflecting the strong influence of Norse settlers who occupied the Scottish Highlands and islands centuries ago. By the mid-eighteenth century, the Gunns were well established as a prominent clan in the region, maintaining a distinct identity despite the intense political and social changes occurring across the country. Their presence in Sutherland by 1748 highlights a long history of resilience and survival in a harsh environment, as the family navigated the complex clan system and the shifting loyalties of the Scottish Highlands.
Gunn Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
gunnr
Old Norse term for battle or war.
This name
GunnDerived from a personal name meaning warrior or battle-maiden.
also spelled
Gonne
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Ekwall, Eilert, The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Place-names, 1960
Norfolk Record Office, Parish Registers of Norfolk, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
bordureA difference between branches of one family
lionCourage, strength and royalty
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
bordureA difference between branches of one family
lionCourage, strength and royalty
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
shipEnterprise, and a great voyage undertaken
flag / pennantA command held, and a following kept
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
