A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Campe family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 4729 · German, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
foxWit and wisdom in defence
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ec.: aux 1 et 4 d'or à la demi-aigle de sa., mouv. du parti; au 2 d'az. à un croiss. versé d'or, posé en bande, ayant une étoile d'or entre ses cornes; au 3 d'az. à un croiss. montant d'or, posé en bande, ayant une étoile d'or entre ses cornes. Sur le tout de gu. au renard ramp. d'arg., cour. et coll. d'or. Cq. cour. C.: un chevalier iss., tenant de sa main dextre une épée et de sa sen. un bouclier ovale, le tout au nat. L.: à dextre d'or et de sa., à sen. d'arg. et de gu.”
Germanyc. 1765
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Map of Germany showing where the Campe arms are recorded
The Campe arms were recorded in Germany, c. 1765.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bavaria.
Bavaria was a country of old landed families and walled market towns. Estates passed down the same line for centuries, and both the landowners and the leading townsmen kept arms, which is why so many Bavarian names sit in the registers.
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 Germany in this period.
Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor
1745–1765
Reigning in Germany when the Campe arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Germany
In the Holy Roman Empire, coats of arms were often granted to individuals by the Emperor or his representatives. These arms were then passed down through the generations to all legitimate descendants of the original holder. Younger branches of a family usually kept the same shield design without needing to change it, as the arms belonged to the entire lineage.
Granting authority
The Holy Roman Emperor held the sole power to grant new coats of arms throughout his vast imperial territories.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal imperial grant or by proving their noble status to the authorities.
Where arms were recorded
These grants were officially recorded in the Imperial Chancery registers, which began keeping formal records of such honors during the Middle Ages.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Germany.
Origin & History of the Campe Family in Germany
The surname Campe has deep roots in the German-speaking regions of Europe, where it functioned as a topographic name for families living near a field or an enclosed piece of land. The term itself is derived from the Latin word campus, which eventually entered the German language through early trade and cultural exchanges. By the mid-eighteenth century, the family established a notable presence in the region of Bavaria. Records from 1765 confirm that members of the Campe family were active participants in the local social and economic life of this area during a period of significant regional development. As the family grew, they integrated into the local community by working in trades and agriculture that were common to the Bavarian landscape. This history reflects the broader movement of families who settled in rural districts and helped shape the identity of their home provinces through generations of consistent labor and community involvement.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Sa. a chev. betw. three griffins' heads erased or (another, ar.)”
EnglandLondon, c. 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of England showing where the Campe arms are recorded
The Campe arms were recorded in London, c. 1620.
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 Germany when the Campe 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 England.
Origin & History of the Campe Family in England
The surname Campe has deep roots in England, appearing in historical records long before the seventeenth century. The name is often classified as a topographic or occupational surname, likely derived from the Old English or Old French words for a field or a champion. By the time members of the family were documented in London in 1620, the name was already well-established across various English counties. Early ancestors were often associated with agricultural life or trade, which allowed them to integrate into the growing urban economy of London. As the city expanded during the early modern period, families like the Campes moved into the capital to take advantage of new commercial opportunities. This migration reflects the broader trend of English families shifting from rural roots to the bustling center of trade and government in London.
Campe Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Kamp
A field, enclosure, or piece of enclosed land.
This name
CampeRefers to a person who lived near or worked on an enclosed field.
also spelled
Kamp
Kampe
Related arms
Blumfeldsimilar arms
Bretschneidersimilar arms
Guneschsimilar arms
Kampvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Bahlow, Hans, Deutsches Namenlexikon: Familien- und Vornamen nach Ursprung und Sinn erklärt, 1967
Heintze, Albert, Die deutschen Familiennamen: geschichtlich, geographisch, sprachlich, 1903
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
foxWit and wisdom in defence
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
foxWit and wisdom in defence
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
