The Jenkins Family Crest Rocks Glass. Beautifully illustrated. Carefully researched. Uniquely personal.
Nicely suited for the moments that call for a proper toast. Whether it’s a gift to celebrate a milestone birthday, a wedding or a housewarming—this piece is an instant heirloom.
The origin of the name Jenkins
Jenkins is an ancient Welsh patronymic surname meaning "little John" or "son of Jenkin" (derived from the Middle English/Flemish diminutive Jen combined with -kin). Expanding rapidly across Monmouthshire, Glamorgan, and Carmarthenshire during the 15th and 16th centuries as traditional Welsh patronymic naming transformed into fixed surnames, the House of Jenkins produced legal scholars, judges, and parliamentary leaders. Codified in early administrative rolls, the name appears in the 1327 Subsidy Rolls of Worcestershire (William Jenkyn).
The symbolism of the Jenkins coat of arms
Visually balanced and chivalric, the Jenkins coat of arms features a field divided vertically per pale in deep blue and black, charged with three golden fleurs-de-lis (two in chief, one in base). In classical Welsh heraldry, the division of blue and black symbolises loyalty, truth, deep wisdom, and constancy under trial. The three golden fleurs-de-lis represent royal favour, spiritual purity, and noble alignment across generations. Positioned above the shield, the crest displays a steel battle-axe or halberd erect, symbolising armed readiness, justice, and martial defence.
The heraldic bearing featuring three gold fleurs-de-lis set against a shield divided vertically into blue and black (Per pale Azure and Sable, three fleurs-de-lis Or) derives from the ancient attributed arms of Ynyr, King of Gwent, the early medieval ruler of southeastern Wales. As traditional Welsh patronymics (ap Jenkin) solidified into permanent hereditary surnames under Tudor governance, direct patrilineal descendants of this royal line adopted the surname Jenkins while retaining their historic clan arms. Surviving physical evidence was documented in situ in 1645 during the English Civil War by Royalist antiquarian Richard Symonds, who cataloged the shield on regional South Wales monuments and alongside the family holdings of the notable jurist Judge David Jenkins of Hensol. Formally registered across definitive armorial compendiums, including Papworth’s Ordinary of British Armorials and Burke’s General Armory, the bearing remains historically validated for the Jenkins family of Wales surmounted by the upright battle-axe crest.
Artist’s Note: From a composition standpoint, this was easily one of my favourite coats of arms to render. The sharp vertical bisect between rich azure blue and deep black creates a dramatic, contrasting balance that allows the gold of the fleurs-de-lis to sit elegantly on the shield. Medieval heraldry can sometimes feel visually crowded, but this design relies on clean geometric harmony—two golden charges resting symmetrically across the colour divide, anchored by the third below to give the entire shield a grounded, triangular weight. Capped by the stark verticality of the upright battle-axe crest, the finished piece balances ancient Welsh martial strength with effortless decorative elegance.
Historical figures
Sir Leoline Jenkins (1625–1685): Famed Welsh civilian lawyer, Secretary of State, and diplomat.
Lady Elizabeth Jenkins (17th Century): Recorded Welsh noblewoman and benefactor in Glamorgan charters.
Joseph Jenkins (1818–1898): Celebrated Welsh diarist, scholar, and agriculturalist.
Product details
- Classic rocks glass with family crest
- Volume: 10.5 oz. (311 ml)
- Height: 3.4″ (8.64 cm)
- Diameter: 3.2″ (8.13 cm)
- High heat from the dishwasher or microwave may damage the print, so please hand-wash only.
No Warehouses. No Waste. Just for you, made to order
This product is printed especially for you when ordered, one at a time, by royal decree of Mother Nature to keep the realm beautiful. Family Crests Store guarantees your custom treasure meets all EU and USA safety standards.
About the artist
Each coat of arms in the Family Crests Store is an artwork by heraldic artist Éamonn Breathnach. All are carefully researched, drawing from the earliest available records across multiple heraldic archives. Noted for their elegance and attention to detail, these artworks make meaningful gifts for family occasions.
Don’t see your family name?
I’m always happy to add new crests and products to the collection, so please get in touch if you can’t find what you're looking for. ⚜️
