Jenkins Coat of Arms & Family Crest
Where the Jenkins name began, what it means, and how your Jenkins coat of arms is painted.
Origin of the Jenkins name
Jenkins is a patronymic from Jenkin, a medieval pet form of John made with the Flemish diminutive -kin, so it means "son of little John". Jenkin was a favourite given name in Wales, where sons often fixed their father's name as a surname. Jenkins is especially common in Glamorgan and south Wales.
Our historical archives hold much more on the Jenkins name: dates, names and records of early bearers.
This overview covers the Jenkins name in Wales. We also hold records of the name in other countries, such as the United States, England and Australia; your full pack is researched for your family's country of origin.
Get your full Jenkins family history
Your full Jenkins pack adds the researched history, early records and migration, with your painted coat of arms ready to print.
Jenkins name FAQ
What does the Jenkins name mean?
Son of Jenkin (little John). Common variants include Jenkin, Jenkyns, Jenkinson.
Where does the Jenkins surname come from?
It originates in Wales, and is also found in the United States, England and Australia.
Is there a Jenkins coat of arms?
Arms were granted to individuals, not whole surnames, so there is no single Jenkins crest. Herald Lab paints a personalized Jenkins coat of arms based on historic heraldry.
Sources: Reaney & Wilson, Dictionary of English Surnames; Dictionary of American Family Names (Oxford); US Census Bureau 2010.