Map of England showing where the Prejean arms are recorded
The Prejean 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 England when the Prejean 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 Prejean Family in England
The surname Prejean is deeply rooted in the French language, originating as a descriptive term for someone who lived near a meadow or a field. The name is derived from the French words "pré," meaning meadow, and "jean," which was a common given name, suggesting an early ancestor may have been a farmer or a landowner known as "John of the meadow." While many people associate the name with later migrations to North America, records indicate that family members were already established in York by 1620. During this period, the family likely navigated the complex social and religious shifts occurring in Europe, eventually becoming part of the broader movement of French-speaking people who sought new opportunities across the Atlantic. By settling in diverse regions, the Prejean family helped preserve their linguistic heritage while adapting to the customs of their new homes.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Prae-gens
Latin for coming before or being present in front of others.
This name
PrejeanA habitational name derived from Old French indicating someone who lived near a prominent landmark.
also spelled
Prujain
Prujane
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Dauzat, Albert, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de famille et prénoms de France, 1951
Morlet, Marie-Thérèse, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de famille, 1991
York City Archives, Parish Registers of St. Michael-le-Belfrey, 1620
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roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
