Map of France showing where the Janssen arms are recorded
The Janssen arms were recorded in Flandre, c. 1663.
Flandre grew rich on cloth, and its towns were among the busiest in Europe. Merchant families bought land with their profits and took arms to go with it, so trade put as many names in the registers here as land did.
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 France in this period.
Louis XIV of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XIV of France
1643–1715
Reigning in France when the Janssen arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in France
In France, a coat of arms was a mark of honor that passed down through the male line to all legitimate descendants. Families often used the same shield without changes to show their shared heritage. If a branch wanted to stand out, they could add a small mark to their shield to show their specific place in the family tree.
Granting authority
The Juge d'armes de France acted as the official authority that regulated and verified coats of arms across the country.
How they got arms
Families typically inherited their arms from ancestors, though they could also receive them through royal grants or by proving their noble status.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the Armorial Général de France, which began its main collection in the year 1696.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Flandre.
Origin & History of the Janssen Family in France
The surname Janssen is a patronymic name, which means it was originally created to identify a person as the son of Jan, a common Dutch and Flemish variation of the name John. By the year 1663, families bearing this name were well-established in the region of Flandre. During this period, the territory of Flandre was a cultural crossroads where French and Dutch influences frequently overlapped due to shifting political borders and royal expansion. As the French monarchy sought to integrate these northern lands into their kingdom, families like the Janssens became part of a unique social landscape. They lived in an area where the local language and customs were deeply rooted in Flemish traditions, yet they were increasingly governed by the administrative and legal structures of France. This transition meant that the family name was often recorded in local parish registers and tax documents that tracked the movement of people across these evolving provincial lines.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
branchPeace, and new growth
swanGrace, light and the poet's art
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ec.: au 1 d'arg. à deux faisceaux de roseaux de sin., posés et rangés en fasce; au 2 coupé d'or sur azur, l'or ch. de deux cygnes au nat., nageant sur le coupé; au 3 coupé d'or sur azur, l'or ch. d'un cygne au nat., nageant sur le coupé; au 4 d'arg. à un faisceau de roseaux de sin., posé en fasce. C.: un trèfle de sin.; ou, une quartefeuille tigée de sin.”
Britainc. 1714
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Map of Britain showing where the Janssen arms are recorded
The Janssen arms were recorded in Britain, c. 1714.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Kent.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats 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 Britain in this period.
Anne of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
Anne of Great Britain
1707–1714
Reigning in France when the Janssen arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Britain
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 Britain.
Origin & History of the Janssen Family in Britain
The family name Janssen is a patronymic surname of Dutch and Low German origin, meaning "son of Jan" or "son of John." While the name is deeply rooted in the Netherlands and Northern Germany, its presence in Britain became more prominent during the early eighteenth century as families migrated across the North Sea for trade and religious reasons. By 1714, records confirm that members of the Janssen family had established a foothold in the county of Kent. This region was a common point of entry for continental immigrants due to its proximity to the English Channel and its bustling ports. These early settlers often integrated into the local economy as merchants or skilled laborers, contributing to the cultural and commercial growth of the area. Over time, the name evolved from its continental roots to become a recognized part of the British social landscape, reflecting the long history of movement between Britain and its European neighbors.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
branchPeace, and new growth
swanGrace, light and the poet's art
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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)
“Quarterly, 1st, ar. two bundles of reeds in fesse vert; 2nd, per fesse or and az. two swans close in fesse ppr.; 3rd, per fesse or and az. a swan in fesse ppr.; 4th, ar. a bundle of reeds vert”
SurreyWimbledon · Surrey, c. 1714
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Map of England showing where the Janssen arms are recorded
The Janssen arms were recorded in Surrey, c. 1714.
Surrey sat just south of London and filled up with families who had made money in the City. Buying an estate there was the usual next step, and an estate was the usual reason to take 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.
Anne of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
Anne of Great Britain
1707–1714
Reigning in France when the Janssen 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 Surrey.
Origin & History of the Janssen Family in England
The surname Janssen is a patronymic name that originates from the Low Countries, meaning "son of Jan" or "son of John." While the name is deeply rooted in Dutch and German history, its presence in England became notable during the early 18th century. By 1714, members of the Janssen family were established in Surrey, where they integrated into the local social and economic landscape. This migration was often driven by the close trade connections and religious ties between England and the Netherlands during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. As these families settled into English life, they transitioned from being seen as foreign merchants or refugees to becoming active participants in the development of their local communities. Their arrival in Surrey reflects a broader pattern of European families moving to England to seek new opportunities during a time of significant political and industrial change.
Janssen Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Johannes
Hebrew origin meaning God is gracious.
This name
JanssenA patronymic surname meaning son of John.
also spelled
Jansen
Johnson
Janson
Jans
Related arms
Jansenvariant spelling
Jansensvariant spelling
Jansonvariant spelling
Bettensonrecorded with Janssen, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
De Smet, J. J., Histoire de la Belgique, 1863
Archives départementales du Nord, Série G: Clergé séculier et paroisses
Pirenne, Henri, Histoire de Belgique, 1902
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
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
lionCourage, strength and royalty
branchPeace, and new growth
swanGrace, light and the poet's art
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve