Meaning of the Jennings family crest symbols
Fleur-de-lis
The fleur-de-lis is one of the oldest in international heraldry. It represents purity, light and religious devotion including connotations of the Virgin Mary. It stands as a connection to the family's earliest religious associations and beliefs.
Roundel
The roundel is believed to be a symbol from the times of the crusade and represents the family's belief in the importance of justice. It was used as a mark of those who pursued justice with vigor and brought others to justice.
Meaning of the Jennings coat of arms colors
Silver
The silver or white color on the coat of arms, (known as 'Argent'), signifies sincerity and peacefulness. It is one of the oldest colors known in ancient heraldry.
Yellow/Gold
The gold color (known as Or) represented the noble standing of a family and also stood as a symbol of generosity and those with a giving nature.
Jennings name meaning and origin
Jennings is an English surname that originated from the personal name 'John', meaning 'God is gracious'. It's a patronymic name, indicating 'son of John'. Over time, it evolved into various forms, including Jennings. This surname is prevalent in England and Ireland.
History of family crests like the Jennings coat of arms
Family crests and coats of arms emerged during the Middle Ages, mostly in wider Europe. They were used as a way to identify knights and nobles on the battlefield and in tournaments. The designs were unique to each family and were passed down from generation to generation.
The earliest crests were simple designs, such as a single animal or symbol, but they became more elaborate over time. Coats of arms were also developed, which included a shield with the family crest, as well as other symbols and colors that represented the family's history and achievements.
The use of family crests and coats of arms spread throughout Europe and became a symbol of social status and identity. They were often displayed on clothing, armor, and flags, and were used to mark the family's property and possessions.
Today, family crests and coats of arms are still used as a way to honor and celebrate family heritage.
Jennings name variations and their meaning
The surname Jennings has several variations that have emerged over time. One common variation is Jenning, which drops the final "s" but retains the same pronunciation. Another variation is Jenninges, which adds an extra "e" at the end. Additionally, some individuals may spell the name as Jennins or Jennens, substituting the "g" with an "n" or adding an extra "n" respectively. These variations may have arisen due to regional dialects or personal preferences in spelling. It is also worth noting that the surname Jennings can be found in different forms across various countries. For instance, in Ireland, it may be spelled as Mac Sheoinin or Mac Sheoinín, while in Scotland, it can be seen as MacEanraig or MacEanruig. These variations highlight the diverse ways in which the surname Jennings has evolved and adapted throughout history.
Find your family crest
Learn how to find your family crest.
Other resources:
- Get your official family crest here.
- Learn about heraldry at britannica.com
- See an introduction at wikipedia.com
