A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Jenkinson family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 6277 · French, J–L
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cross symbolChristian faith and service
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
heronPatience and quiet watchfulness
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'azur à la fasce ondée d'arg., ch. d'une croisette pattée de gu. et acc. en chef de deux étoiles rayonnantes d'or; au chef ondé aux armes de la ville de Liverpool, qui sont d'arg. au cormoran de sa., bq. et m. de gu., tenant en son bec une branche de sin. C.: un cheval marin d'arg., criné d'azur, tenant entre ses pattes une croisette pattée de gu. S.: deux autours au nat., le vol levé, bq., m. et grilletés d'or, ch. chacun sur sa poitrine d'une croisette pattée de gu. D.: PALMA NON SINE PULVERE.”
Francec. 1725
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Map of France showing where the Jenkinson arms are recorded
The Jenkinson arms were recorded in France, c. 1725.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bretagne.
More families held coats of arms in Bretagne than anywhere else in France. The land was divided into many small estates rather than a few large ones, so far more households counted as gentry, and each needed a shield of its own to be told apart.
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 XV of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XV of France
1715–1774
Reigning in France when the Jenkinson 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 France.
Origin & History of the Jenkinson Family in France
The name Jenkinson is primarily recognized as a patronymic of English origin, meaning it is derived from the name John, but its presence in the French region of Bretagne by 1725 suggests a fascinating chapter of migration and cultural adaptation. During the early eighteenth century, the coastal areas of northwestern France served as vital hubs for trade and maritime exchange between the British Isles and the continent. Families like the Jenkinsons often moved across the English Channel to establish commercial ties or to seek new opportunities in port cities. Once in Bretagne, these individuals likely integrated into the local society by adopting the linguistic patterns of the region while maintaining their distinct family identity. This period of history highlights how surnames traveled alongside people, evolving as they settled into new communities and contributed to the local economy of the French provinces.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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 fesse wavy ar. three estoiles in chief or”
LincolnLincoln, c. 1568
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Map of England showing where the Jenkinson arms are recorded
The Jenkinson arms were recorded in Lincoln, c. 1568.
Lincolnshire was rich farming country, and its wealth was spread across many middling families. Households of that size bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in France when the Jenkinson 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 Lincoln.
Origin & History of the Jenkinson Family in England
The surname Jenkinson is a patronymic name, which means it originated as a way to identify a person as the son of Jenkin. Jenkin was a common medieval diminutive of the name John, and the suffix added to the end simply denoted a family relationship. By the time the name appeared in official records in Lincoln in 1568, it had already become a stable family identifier passed down through generations. During this period in English history, families often settled in specific market towns or regional hubs to establish themselves in local trade or agriculture. The presence of the Jenkinson name in Lincolnshire suggests that the family was part of the growing middle class that helped shape the social and economic landscape of the East Midlands. As the name spread from these early hubs, it became firmly rooted in the English countryside, reflecting the transition from simple naming customs to permanent hereditary surnames.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Iohannes
A Hebrew name meaning God is gracious.
This name
JenkinsonA patronymic surname meaning son of little John.
also spelled
Jenkinsson
Jenkynson
Jenkenson
Related arms
Brownerecorded with Jenkinson, same area
Cooperrecorded with Jenkinson, same area
Nevillrecorded with Jenkinson, same area
Smithrecorded with Jenkinson, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales d'Ille-et-Vilaine, Série B (Fonds de l'Amirauté de Saint-Malo)
Dauzat, Albert, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms et prénoms de France, 1951
Morice, Pierre-Hyacinthe, Histoire ecclésiastique et civile de Bretagne, 1742
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cross symbolChristian faith and service
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
heronPatience and quiet watchfulness
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cross symbolChristian faith and service
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
heronPatience and quiet watchfulness
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
