A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gynn family of England.
Reg. 6940 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Az. a griffin segreant or, on a chief indented erm. three pellets”
HertfordHertford, c. 1620
Where the Gynn Arms Were Recorded
Hertford
Map of England showing where the Gynn arms are recorded
The Gynn arms were recorded in Hertford, c. 1620.
Hertfordshire lay just north of London and filled with families who had made money in the City. Buying an estate within a day's ride was the usual next step, and an estate brought arms with it.
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 Gynn 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 Hertford.
Origin & History of the Gynn Family in England
The family name Gynn is deeply rooted in the historical landscape of Hertfordshire, England, where records confirm the presence of the family as early as 1620. During the seventeenth century, the name was often associated with families living in and around the town of Hertford, a region known for its strong agricultural traditions and proximity to London. While the spelling of surnames was not standardized during this period, the Gynn name likely evolved from local dialects or occupational descriptions common to the rural communities of the East of England. Families bearing this name were typically part of the yeoman class, meaning they were independent farmers or tradespeople who played a vital role in the local economy. By settling in Hertford, these early ancestors established a foundation that allowed the family to remain a part of the regional history for many generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gwyn
A Welsh term meaning white, fair, or blessed.
This name
GynnA locational or descriptive surname derived from the Welsh word for fair or white-complexioned individuals.
also spelled
Ginn
Ginne
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies, Hertford St Andrew Parish Registers, 1620
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
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
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
