A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Jennison family of Ireland.
Reg. 3158 · Irish, J–L
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
swanGrace, light and the poet's art
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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. on a bend wavy betw. two swans ar. three roses gu. seeded of the second, leaved vert”
DownDown, c. 1625
Where the Jennison Arms Were Recorded
Down
Map of Ireland showing where the Jennison arms are recorded
The Jennison arms were recorded in Down, c. 1625.
Down was north-eastern Irish country settled from Scotland in the seventeenth century. The new landowners took grants and had them recorded, which is why so many Down families carry documented shields.
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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in Ireland when the Jennison 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 Down.
Origin & History of the Jennison Family in Ireland
The Jennison family name is believed to have originated as a patronymic, meaning it was derived from the name of an early ancestor. It is likely a variation of the name Jenison, which translates to "son of Jen," a common medieval nickname for John. By the early 17th century, members of the family were firmly established in County Down, Ireland. Records indicate their presence in this region by 1625, suggesting they were part of the significant migration of settlers who moved to Northern Ireland during the Plantation period. These early Jennisons were often involved in local administration and land management, helping to build the foundations of the community in a time of great social and political change. Their transition from England to Ireland reflects the broader patterns of movement that defined the British Isles during the early modern era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Johannes
Hebrew origin meaning God is gracious.
This name
JennisonA patronymic surname meaning son of John or son of Jane.
also spelled
Jennison
Jenison
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, Ulster Plantation Papers
Moody, T.W., The Londonderry Plantation 1609-1641: The City of London and the Plantation in Ulster, 1939
Perceval-Maxwell, M., The Scottish Migration to Ulster in the Reign of James I, 1973
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
swanGrace, light and the poet's art
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
swanGrace, light and the poet's art
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
