Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)“Or, on a bend az. three garbs of the first”
A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Venable family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)“Or, on a bend az. three garbs of the first”

The Venable arms were recorded in England, c. 1422.
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.
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.
The family name Venable has deep roots in the history of medieval England, where it emerged as a distinct identifier during a time when surnames were becoming essential for record-keeping. By the year 1422, historical documents confirm that members of the family were established in the city of York. During this period, York was a major center for trade and religious life, serving as a hub for merchants and skilled craftsmen. Families like the Venables often settled in such urban environments to take advantage of the growing economy and the protection offered by city walls. Over the following centuries, the name spread from these northern strongholds into other regions, reflecting the natural migration of people seeking new opportunities in agriculture and local government. The history of the name is tied to the development of English society, as families moved from being identified by their local surroundings to carrying a permanent name that linked them to their ancestors.
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)“Az. two bars ar. in chief three mullets pierced of the last”

The Venable arms were recorded in Brecon, c. 1647.
Brecon was mid-Welsh hill country, held in small estates by families who stayed for generations. Land was worth less than in the lowlands, but holding it still brought 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.
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.
The surname Venable has deep roots in the rugged landscape of Wales, where the family established a notable presence by the mid-seventeenth century. Historical records confirm that members of the family were living in the town of Brecon as early as 1647. During this era, Brecon served as a vital market center and a hub for local administration, suggesting that the family likely held a stable position within the community. While the name itself carries linguistic ties to broader European origins, its adoption in the Welsh Marches reflects the integration of families into the social and economic life of the region. By settling in Brecon, these early ancestors became part of the long history of Welsh town life, contributing to the local culture during a time of significant political change in Britain.
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)“Az. two bars ar. in chief as many mullets pierced of the last”

The Venable arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1649.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
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 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.
The Venable family name arrived in Ireland during a period of intense political and social upheaval in the seventeenth century. By 1649, records confirm that members of the family were established in Dublin, a city that served as a central hub for the English military and administrative presence during the Cromwellian conquest. The name itself is of Norman-French origin, meaning "hunting" or "hunter," and it likely traveled to Ireland through soldiers or settlers who had previously migrated from England. Once in Dublin, these early family members integrated into the urban landscape, taking on roles that supported the growing colonial administration. Their presence in the capital during this transformative era suggests they were part of the wave of newcomers who helped reshape the city’s demographics and social structure following the mid-century conflicts.
Latin term meaning huntable or worthy of being hunted.