Map of England showing where the Kenning arms are recorded
The Kenning arms were recorded in Norfolk, c. 1620.
Norfolk grew rich on wool and grain, and its wealth was spread among many middling families rather than a few great ones. Households of that kind bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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 Kenning 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 Norfolk.
Origin & History of the Kenning Family in England
The surname Kenning is rooted in the linguistic traditions of medieval England, where it likely originated as a patronymic name derived from the Old English personal name Cyne. This name translates to royal or bold, suggesting that early ancestors were identified by their connection to a specific patriarch or a leader within their community. By the year 1620, historical records confirm that the Kenning family had established a notable presence in the county of Norfolk. During this period, Norfolk was a bustling hub of agriculture and trade, and families like the Kennings were often deeply integrated into the local parish systems. These early members of the family likely lived as yeoman farmers or tradespeople, contributing to the steady growth of the region’s economy. Over time, the name evolved from its original phonetic roots to the spelling recognized today, reflecting the way names were recorded by local clerks and church officials in the seventeenth century.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Cen
Old English word meaning bold, keen, or sharp.
This name
KenningA patronymic surname meaning son of the bold or wise one.
also spelled
Keninge
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Norfolk Record Office, Parish Register Transcripts for Norfolk, 1620
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
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
