A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gwinnett family of England.
Reg. 9149 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lanceKnightly service and the tilt
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Az. a chev. ar. betw. three spear heads ppr. embrued gu”
GloucesterCheltenham · Gloucester, c. 1620
Where the Gwinnett Arms Were Recorded
Gloucester
Map of England showing where the Gwinnett arms are recorded
The Gwinnett arms were recorded in Gloucester, c. 1620.
Gloucestershire had good farmland, a cloth trade in its valleys and a river carrying goods to Bristol. All three made money, and money bought the estates that brought arms with them.
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 Gwinnett 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 Gloucester.
Origin & History of the Gwinnett Family in England
The surname Gwinnett is believed to have Welsh roots, likely originating from the word "Gwynedd," which refers to a historic kingdom in North Wales. Over several generations, the name evolved in spelling as families migrated across the border into England. By the year 1620, records confirm that members of the Gwinnett family were well-established in the county of Gloucester. During this period, the family became deeply integrated into the local community, often serving in roles related to land management and regional administration. Their presence in Gloucester suggests that they were part of a steady movement of Welsh families seeking new opportunities in the English countryside during the early seventeenth century. This migration helped transition the name from its regional Welsh origins into a recognized fixture of the English social landscape.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gwyn
A Welsh term meaning white, fair, or blessed.
This name
GwinnettA locational surname derived from the Welsh region of Gwynedd, signifying a person from that fair territory.
also spelled
Gwynnett
Related arms
Brescyrecorded with Gwinnett, same area
Brindleyrecorded with Gwinnett, same area
Mynshullrecorded with Gwinnett, same area
Paterecorded with Gwinnett, same area
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
Morgan, T.J. and Morgan, P., Welsh Surnames, 1985
Gloucestershire Archives, Diocese of Gloucester Records: Bishop’s Transcripts of Parish Registers
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lanceKnightly service and the tilt
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lanceKnightly service and the tilt
