Map of England showing where the Cambell arms are recorded
The Cambell arms were recorded in Essex, c. 1609.
Essex lay close enough to London for City money to buy land there. Merchants who prospered moved out to estates within a day's ride, and a new landowner almost always wanted arms to go with the ground.
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 body that granted and recorded arms in England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Cambell arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
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.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Essex.
Origin & History of the Cambell Family in England
The family name Campbell, or the variant spelling Cambell, carries a history deeply rooted in the social and economic shifts of early modern England. While the name is often associated with Scottish origins, records confirm that members of the Cambell family were well-established in the county of Essex by 1609. During this period, the family demonstrated significant upward mobility, often engaging in successful merchant activities and land ownership. These early settlers in Essex were part of a rising class of families who gained influence through trade and local administration. By settling in the fertile lands of Essex, the family integrated into the regional economy, moving away from the more turbulent northern borders to focus on building wealth and local status in southern England. Their presence in 17th-century Essex highlights how families of this era navigated the transition from traditional roles to the growing commercial opportunities found near the capital.
Cambell Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
cam beul
Gaelic phrase meaning crooked mouth.
This name
CambellA descriptive nickname originally referring to someone with a crooked or twisted mouth.
also spelled
Campbell
Related arms
Campbellvariant spelling
Gilbertrecorded with Cambell, same area
Keaterecorded with Cambell, same area
Malloryrecorded with Cambell, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Morant, Philip. The History and Antiquities of the County of Essex. 1768
The National Archives. Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384–1858. PROB 11
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
lionCourage, strength and royalty
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
lionCourage, strength and royalty
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
