Gennett History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Scotland

Gennett is a name of Anglo-Saxon origin and came from the biblical name of Jane. This name was first used in England during the 15th century, and was originally derived from the Old French Jehanne, which also had biblical origins from Johannes.

"This surname is derived from the name of an ancestor, 'the son of Jan,' from diminutive Janet or Janot." 1

Early Origins of the Gennett family

The surname Gennett was first found in Yorkshire, where Willelmus filius Jonet was listed in the Subsidy Rolls for 1297. A few years later at Wakefield, Jonot (with no forename ) was listed in 1308 and down in Cornwall, we found John Joney in 1297. The Subsidy Rolls for Sussex in 1327 reordered Roberts and Simon Janot. 2

Early Somerset records show Henry Janet, 1 Edward III (during the first year of the reign of Edward III.) 3

Early History of the Gennett family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gennett research. Another 226 words (16 lines of text) covering the years 1297, 1300, 1327, 1500 and 1781 are included under the topic Early Gennett History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Gennett Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Gennett have been found, including Janot, Janet, Jonet, Jannet, Janett, Janette, Jannett, Jenet, Jennet, Jenett and many more.

Early Notables of the Gennett family

More information is included under the topic Early Gennett Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Gennett family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Among the first immigrants of the name Gennett, or a variant listed above to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were : John Jennet, who sailed to Pennsylvania in 1682. Peter Jannett journeyed to Maryland in 1776 and N. Janett sailed to New York in 1823.

Citations +

Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.