Map of England showing where the Johns arms are recorded
The Johns arms were recorded in Cornwall, c. 1620.
Cornwall was a county apart, with its own language and its own tight-knit gentry. Tin and the sea made money there, and families who made it bought land, which is what brought arms with it.
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 Johns 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 Cornwall.
Origin & History of the Johns Family in England
The surname Johns is a patronymic name, meaning it originated as a way to identify someone as the son of John. This name became popular across England following the arrival of the Normans, who brought the name Jean into common use. By the early 17th century, the name was well-established in the rugged landscape of Cornwall. Records confirm that families bearing this name were active in the region by 1620, often living in small coastal or mining communities. At this time, surnames were becoming permanent fixtures for families rather than just descriptive nicknames. Living in Cornwall, these early members of the Johns family were likely part of the local agricultural or maritime economy, which defined the social structure of the southwestern peninsula during the reign of King James I.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
arms pheon arrowheadReadiness for battle, and the broad arrow of the sovereign
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Per bend az. and gu. in chief three stars and in base as many pheons or”
ScotlandProcurator Fiscal, c. 1672
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of Scotland showing where the Johns arms are recorded
The Johns arms were recorded in Procurator Fiscal, c. 1672.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh was the seat of Scotland's government, its courts and its heralds. Families with business there settled nearby, and being close to where arms were recorded is exactly why so many of them appear.
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 Scotland in this period.
Charles II of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles II of England
1660–1685
Reigning in England when the Johns arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Scotland
Scottish heraldry is unique because it treats a coat of arms as a piece of personal property protected by law. Only one person can own a specific design at any given time. When a family grows, the head keeps the original shield while other relatives must apply for their own distinct version with slight changes to prove their specific identity.
Granting authority
The Court of the Lord Lyon acts as the official body that regulates and controls all heraldic matters throughout Scotland.
How they got arms
Individuals obtain a legal right to their arms through a formal petition process that confirms their identity and family connection.
Where arms were recorded
All valid coats of arms are officially entered into the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings starting from 1672.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Scotland.
Origin & History of the Johns Family in Scotland
The surname Johns is a patronymic name, which means it originated as a way to identify a person as the son of John. While the name is common across many regions, its presence in Scotland reflects the deep influence of biblical naming traditions that spread throughout Europe during the Middle Ages. By the late 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in Edinburgh, a city that served as the bustling center of Scottish political and intellectual life. Records from 1672 confirm that members of the family were living in the capital during a time of significant social change and urban growth. As the city expanded, families like the Johns were part of the growing professional and merchant classes that helped shape the local economy. Their residence in Edinburgh suggests they were integrated into the civic life of the Scottish Lowlands, living among the tradespeople and scholars who defined the era.
Johns Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Yochanan
Hebrew for God is gracious
This name
JohnsA patronymic surname meaning son of John
also spelled
Johnes
Jones
Related arms
Johnesvariant spelling
Jonesvariant spelling
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
Cornwall Archives, Parish Registers of Cornwall, 1620
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
arms pheon arrowheadReadiness for battle, and the broad arrow of the sovereign
