A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Jessup family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 8941 · Irish, J–L
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Or, two bars gu. in chief three leopards' faces of the second; some families of JESSOP, in Ireland, have used, ar. a fesse betw. three leopards' faces gu”
LongfordDoory Hall · Longford, c. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Jessup arms are recorded
The Jessup arms were recorded in Longford, c. 1645.
Longford was small midland Irish country of bog and grazing. Its landed families were few but held their ground for centuries, and long holding fills a register.
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.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Ireland when the Jessup 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 Longford.
Origin & History of the Jessup Family in Ireland
The Jessup family name in Ireland is deeply rooted in the mid-seventeenth century, with documented evidence placing members of the family in County Longford by 1645. During this period, Ireland was undergoing significant social and political upheaval, which often led to the movement of families across the countryside. The Jessups were part of a wave of settlers who established themselves in the Irish Midlands, a region that served as a strategic hub for agriculture and trade. By settling in Longford, the family became integrated into the local administrative and economic life of the area. Over the following decades, they transitioned from being newcomers to becoming established members of the local community, contributing to the development of the region through their involvement in land management and local governance. This early presence in Longford provided the foundation for the family to grow and eventually spread to other parts of Ireland and beyond.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Jessop, LL.D., of Mount Jessop). Ar. two bars gu. on a chief of the last three leopards' faces of the first. Crest—A cockatrice's head ppr. combed and wattled, wings displ. gu. each charged with a trefoil slipped ar.”
Englandc. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Jessup arms are recorded
The Jessup arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried 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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in Ireland when the Jessup 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 England.
Origin & History of the Jessup Family in England
The surname Jessup is a variation of the name Joseph, which became popular in England following the influence of the Crusades. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Jessup family were living in this region during a time of significant social and religious change. As residents of York, they likely participated in the bustling trade and civic life of a city that served as a major northern hub for commerce and administration. Over time, the name evolved through different spellings as it was recorded by local clerks and parish officials. This transition from a biblical given name to a permanent family surname reflects the broader historical trend of families adopting hereditary names to distinguish themselves within their growing communities.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ioseph
Hebrew for he will add or God shall increase
This name
JessupAn anglicized form of the Hebrew name Joseph, signifying divine addition or increase.
also spelled
Jessup
Jessupp
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
MacLysaght, Edward. The Surnames of Ireland. 1985
Pender, Seamus. A Census of Ireland, circa 1659. 1939
National Archives of Ireland, Civil Survey of County Longford
National Library of Ireland, Genealogical Office Manuscripts
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
lionCourage, strength and royalty
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
