Map of Germany showing where the Hennings arms are recorded
The Hennings arms were recorded in Brunswick, c. 1730.
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 Germany in this period.
Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor
1711–1740
Reigning in Germany when the Hennings arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Germany
In the Holy Roman Empire, coats of arms were often granted to individuals by the Emperor or his representatives. These arms were then passed down through the generations to all legitimate descendants of the original holder. Younger branches of a family usually kept the same shield design without needing to change it, as the arms belonged to the entire lineage.
Granting authority
The Holy Roman Emperor held the sole power to grant new coats of arms throughout his vast imperial territories.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal imperial grant or by proving their noble status to the authorities.
Where arms were recorded
These grants were officially recorded in the Imperial Chancery registers, which began keeping formal records of such honors during the Middle Ages.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Germany.
Origin & History of the Hennings Family in Germany
The surname Hennings is a patronymic name, which means it originated from a father’s given name. It is derived from the Germanic name Henning, a diminutive form of Johannes or John. By the early 18th century, families carrying this name were well-established in the region of Brunswick, Germany. During this period, the area was part of the Duchy of Brunswick-Lüneburg, a territory defined by its strong agricultural traditions and growing trade networks. Families like the Hennings often lived in small rural communities or market towns where they worked as skilled craftsmen or farmers. Because the name was tied to a common baptismal name, it appeared independently in various locations across Northern Germany, reflecting a time when people began adopting permanent surnames to distinguish themselves within their local parishes.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hanno
A short form of the Germanic name Johannes meaning God is gracious.
This name
HenningsA patronymic surname indicating descent from a person named Henning or John.
also spelled
Henings
Related arms
Sanbolasimilar arms
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Bahlow, Hans. Deutsches Namenlexikon: Familien- und Vornamen nach Ursprung und Sinn erklärt. 1967
Heintze, Albert. Die deutschen Familien-Namen: geschichtlich, geographisch, sprachlich. 1903
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
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
