A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Hannis family of England.
Reg. 3628 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cross symbolChristian faith and service
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Per pale gu. and az. on a fesse dancettée betw. three mullets ar. as many crosses crosslet sa”
OxfordOxford, c. 1641
Where the Hannis Arms Were Recorded
Oxford
Map of England showing where the Hannis arms are recorded
The Hannis arms were recorded in Oxford, c. 1641.
Oxfordshire was farming country with the university at its centre, and both produced families of standing. Scholars and lawyers who did well bought manors nearby, and holding a manor was the ordinary route to a coat of 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.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Hannis 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 Oxford.
Origin & History of the Hannis Family in England
The history of the Hannis family is deeply rooted in the historic city of Oxford, where records confirm their presence as early as 1641. During the seventeenth century, the name appeared in local documents that tracked the lives of tradesmen and citizens living near the university. The family likely established themselves as part of the growing urban middle class during a period of significant political and social change in England. As the name evolved over generations, it became closely associated with the local community, reflecting the steady development of families who built their livelihoods within the bustling streets of Oxford. By remaining in this academic and commercial hub, the early members of the Hannis family contributed to the long-standing social fabric of the city.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Johannes
Hebrew origin meaning God is gracious
This name
HannisA patronymic surname derived from a medieval diminutive form of John
also spelled
Hanness
Hannese
Hanes
Hannis
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Oxfordshire History Centre, Parish registers of St. Peter-in-the-East, Oxford, 1641
Oxfordshire History Centre, Quarter Sessions records, 1641
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cross symbolChristian faith and service
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cross symbolChristian faith and service
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
