Map of England showing where the Janes arms are recorded
The Janes arms were recorded in Cambridge, c. 1620.
Cambridgeshire was flat, rich farming country with the university at its centre. Fen drainage made new land and new fortunes, and families who gained by it bought manors and took arms to match.
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 Janes 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 Cambridge.
Origin & History of the Janes Family in England
The surname Janes originated in England as a variation of the name John, which was one of the most popular names during the Middle Ages. As people began to adopt permanent surnames, many families chose to identify themselves through a possessive form of their father’s name. Over time, the spelling shifted from Johnes to Janes as regional dialects changed the pronunciation of the vowel sounds. By the early 17th century, the Janes family had established a notable presence in the university town of Cambridge. This location was a hub for intellectual and religious activity, suggesting that members of the family were likely involved in the academic or merchant life of the city. Their presence in Cambridge by 1620 places them in the heart of a region that was experiencing significant social and economic shifts, which eventually influenced many families to seek new opportunities across the Atlantic.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Gu. on a bend ar. three Cornish choughs sa. beaked and legged of the first”
DublinDublin, c. 1559
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 Ireland showing where the Janes arms are recorded
The Janes arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1559.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in England when the Janes arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Dublin.
Origin & History of the Janes Family in Ireland
The history of the Janes family in Ireland is deeply rooted in the urban development of Dublin during the sixteenth century. By 1559, members of the family were already established residents within the city, a time when Dublin was transitioning into a primary administrative hub under English influence. The name likely arrived as part of the broader movement of merchants and officials who settled in the Pale, the area surrounding Dublin that remained under direct control of the English Crown. These early settlers often integrated into the local economy by engaging in trade or serving in municipal roles. As the family became part of the city's social fabric, they contributed to the growth of a distinct community that bridged the gap between local Irish traditions and the changing political landscape of the era. Their presence in the records from this period highlights how families of this name helped shape the civic life of the capital as it evolved into a major center of commerce and government.
Janes Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Iohannes
Hebrew origin meaning Yahweh is gracious.
This name
JanesA patronymic surname derived from the medieval personal name Jane or John.
also spelled
Jayne
Jaynes
Related arms
Jeanesvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Cambridgeshire Archives, Bishop's Transcripts of Parish Registers for Cambridge, 1600–1650
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
lionCourage, strength and royalty
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
lionCourage, strength and royalty
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
