A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Kennedy family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Reg. 6929 · French, J–L
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“D'arg. au chev. de gu., acc. de trois croix recr. au pied fiché de sa.; le tout enclos dans un double trêcheur fleur. et c.-fleur. du sec. C.: un dauphin nageant, au nat. S.: deux cygnes au nat., bq. et m. de gu., le vol ouv. et abaissé. D.: AVISE LA FIN.”
Francec. 1452
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Map of France showing where the Kennedy arms are recorded
The Kennedy arms were recorded in France, c. 1452.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bretagne.
More families held coats of arms in Bretagne than anywhere else in France. The land was divided into many small estates rather than a few large ones, so far more households counted as gentry, and each needed a shield of its own to be told apart.
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 France in this period.
Charles VII of France
Sovereign of the period
Charles VII of France
1422–1461
Reigning in France when the Kennedy arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in France
In France, a coat of arms was a mark of honor that passed down through the male line to all legitimate descendants. Families often used the same shield without changes to show their shared heritage. If a branch wanted to stand out, they could add a small mark to their shield to show their specific place in the family tree.
Granting authority
The Juge d'armes de France acted as the official authority that regulated and verified coats of arms across the country.
How they got arms
Families typically inherited their arms from ancestors, though they could also receive them through royal grants or by proving their noble status.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the Armorial Général de France, which began its main collection in the year 1696.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of France.
Origin & History of the Kennedy Family in France
The history of the Kennedy name in France is deeply tied to the movement of Scottish soldiers during the fifteenth century. While the name is famously associated with Scotland, historical records confirm that members of the family were present in the region of Bretagne by 1452. These individuals were likely part of the Auld Alliance, a long-standing political and military agreement between the kingdoms of Scotland and France. Many Scottish soldiers traveled to France to serve in the royal guard or to fight in regional conflicts against English forces. By establishing themselves in Bretagne, these early Kennedys integrated into the local society while maintaining their distinct cultural identity. Their presence in French documents from this period highlights how families moved across borders to serve as professional soldiers and diplomats during the late Middle Ages.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
helmetWisdom and security in defence
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Sa. a fleur-de-lis betw. three esquires' helmets ar. garnished or”
DublinUlster's Office · Dublin, c. 1595
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Map of Ireland showing where the Kennedy arms are recorded
The Kennedy arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1595.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in France when the Kennedy 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 Dublin.
Origin & History of the Kennedy Family in Ireland
The family name Kennedy has deep roots in Irish history, originating from the Gaelic name Ó Cinnéide, which translates to "helmet-headed." While the name is most famously associated with the powerful Dál gCais dynasty of County Clare, members of the family migrated and established themselves in various parts of the country over many centuries. By 1595, historical records confirm that individuals bearing the Kennedy name were active in Dublin. During this period, Dublin served as a bustling center of trade and administration, and the presence of the family there highlights their transition from regional Gaelic chieftains to participants in the evolving urban life of the late sixteenth century. This movement across Ireland reflects the broader shifts in society as families adapted to changing political landscapes and sought new opportunities in the growing capital city.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Quarterly, 1st and 4th, ar. a chev. gu. betw. three cross crosslets fitchée sa., for Kennedy; 2nd and 3rd, az. three fleurs-de-lis or, the arms of France, borne for the aid given by Sir Hugh Kennedy in the French wars with England”
AyrBargany · Ayr, c. 1748
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Map of Scotland showing where the Kennedy arms are recorded
The Kennedy arms were recorded in Ayr, c. 1748.
Ayrshire was farming country along Scotland's south-west coast, held in a great many small estates. Its lairds were numerous rather than rich, and each holding brought its own claim to 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 Scotland in this period.
George II of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George II of Great Britain
1727–1760
Reigning in France when the Kennedy 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 Ayr.
Origin & History of the Kennedy Family in Scotland
The Kennedy name has deep roots in the rugged landscape of southwestern Scotland, particularly within the historic county of Ayrshire. The family rose to prominence as a powerful clan in the region, with their influence centered around the town of Ayr and the surrounding coastal lands. By the mid-eighteenth century, the Kennedys were firmly established as a significant local presence, deeply integrated into the social and economic life of the area. Historical records confirm that members of the family were active residents in Ayr by 1748, participating in the daily affairs of the growing town. Their history is closely tied to the development of the Scottish Lowlands, where they played a role in the regional governance and community growth that defined the era.
Kennedy Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Ceannéidigh
Gaelic compound meaning ugly or misshapen head.
This name
KennedyDerived from an ancient Irish personal name signifying a helmeted head or fierce chief.
also spelled
Kenedy
Kennedie
Kenneday
Related arms
Cardelyon, or Cardelonsame arms
Cardetonsame arms
Smithsame arms
Kennedayvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Forbes-Leith, William. The Scots Men-at-Arms and Life-Guards in France. 1882
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
helmetWisdom and security in defence
