Pennent History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Wales

From the land of Wales came the name of Pennent. The surname derives from the name of the parish of Pennant, in the county of Montgomery. The surname Pennent belongs to the category of habitation names, which are derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads.

Early Origins of the Pennent family

The surname Pennent was first found in Flintshire (Welsh: Sir y Fflint), a historic county, created after the defeat of the Welsh Kingdom of Gwynedd in 1284, and located in north-east Wales, where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the Pennent family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Pennent research. Another 125 words (9 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Pennent History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Pennent Spelling Variations

Although there are not an extremely large number Welsh surnames, there are an inordinately large number of spelling variations of those surnames. This variety of spellings began almost immediately after the acceptance of surnames within Welsh society. As time progressed, these old Brythonic names were eventually were recorded in English. This process was problematic in that many of the highly inflected sounds of the native language of Wales could not be properly captured in English. Some families, however, did decide to modify their own names to indicate a branch loyalty within the family, a religious adherence, or even a patriotic affiliation. The name Pennent has seen various spelling variations: Pennant, Penant and others.

Early Notables of the Pennent family

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

Migration of the Pennent family

In the 1800s and 1900s, many Welsh families left for North America, in search of land, work, and freedom. Those who made the trip successfully helped contribute to the growth of industry, commerce, and the cultural heritage of both Canada and the United States. In the immigration and passenger lists were a number of people bearing the name Pennent John Pennant settled in Virginia in 1698.

The Pennent Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Aequo animo
Motto Translation: With equanimity.