A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Jespersen family of Denmark.
Reg. 0588 · Danish, J–L
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
hedgehogA provident provider
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Taillé, d'arg. à un porc-épic cont. de sa., sur gu. à un chien ramp. d'arg.; à la barre d'azur, br. sur le taillé. Cq. cour. C.: trois pl. d'aut. d'arg., d'azur et de gu.”
Denmarkc. 1718
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Map of Denmark showing where the Jespersen arms are recorded
The Jespersen arms were recorded in Denmark, c. 1718.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Sjaælland.
Zealand held the Danish court, the crown's offices and Copenhagen itself. Families who served the king kept estates within reach of it, and royal service was the ordinary route to a coat 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 Denmark in this period.
Frederik IV of Denmark
Sovereign of the period
Frederik IV of Denmark
1699–1730
Reigning in Denmark when the Jespersen arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Denmark
Danish heraldry during this period was closely tied to noble status and royal favor rather than being open to all citizens. Arms were typically granted by the monarch to individuals, and these symbols were then shared by all members of the noble house. If a family line died out, the right to use those specific arms ended with them.
Granting authority
The Danish royal chancery held the power to issue and regulate official coats of arms for the kingdom.
How they got arms
Families usually received their arms through a formal royal grant that confirmed their noble status and rights.
Where arms were recorded
These grants were officially recorded in the Danish Royal Chancery records starting in the sixteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Denmark.
Origin & History of the Jespersen Family in Denmark
The surname Jespersen is a patronymic name, which means it was created to identify a person as the son of someone named Jesper. In the Danish language, the suffix "sen" translates directly to "son of," making Jespersen a way to track family lineage through generations. By the year 1718, records confirm that families bearing this name were well-established on the island of Sjaælland. During this period, the name was common among rural populations and farming communities. Because many people in Denmark did not have fixed surnames until much later, the use of a patronymic name like Jespersen helped neighbors and local officials distinguish between different families in the same village. This naming tradition reflects the social structure of 18th-century Denmark, where identity was closely tied to one’s father and the local parish where the family resided.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Jasper
Persian origin meaning treasurer or keeper of the treasure.
This name
JespersenPatronymic surname meaning son of Jasper.
also spelled
Jesperson
Yespersen
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Kruse, Birgit, Navne i Danmark, 2002
Danish National Archives (Rigsarkivet), Kirkebøger fra Sjællands Stift, 1718
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
hedgehogA provident provider
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
hedgehogA provident provider
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
