Map of England showing where the Jett arms are recorded
The Jett arms were recorded in London, c. 1620.
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 England when the Jett 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 Jett Family in England
The surname Jett has roots that trace back to the bustling streets of seventeenth-century London. By 1620, records show that members of the Jett family were already established residents of the city during a time of great social and economic change. The name itself is believed to be a variation of the Old French word jet, which often referred to someone who worked with jet stone or perhaps a person with a quick or energetic personality. As London grew into a global center for trade and exploration, these early family members likely participated in the vibrant merchant culture of the era. Their presence in the city during this period suggests they were part of the growing middle class that helped shape the future of England before many families began looking toward the American colonies for new opportunities.
Jett Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
jet
A hard, black, semi-precious gemstone derived from fossilized wood.
This name
JettOriginally a nickname for someone with very dark black hair or a dark complexion.
also spelled
Jete
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain, 1890
The National Archives, State Papers Domestic, James I, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
portcullisProtection of the household, and the guarded gate
cross symbolChristian faith and service
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
portcullisProtection of the household, and the guarded gate
