A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Champion family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 0739 · French, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
escutcheonA shield within a shield, and a claim inherited
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“D'azur à trois écussons d'arg., ch. chacun de trois bandes de gu. D.: AU PLUS VAILLANT LE PRIX.”
Francec. 1440
Where the Champion Arms Were Recorded
Bretagne
Map of France showing where the Champion arms are recorded
The Champion arms were recorded in France, c. 1440.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bretagne.
More families held coats of arms in Bretagne than anywhere else in France. The land was divided into many small estates rather than a few large ones, so far more households counted as gentry, and each needed a shield of its own to be told apart.
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 France in this period.
Charles VII of France
Sovereign of the period
Charles VII of France
1422–1461
Reigning in France when the Champion arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in France
In France, a coat of arms was a mark of honor that passed down through the male line to all legitimate descendants. Families often used the same shield without changes to show their shared heritage. If a branch wanted to stand out, they could add a small mark to their shield to show their specific place in the family tree.
Granting authority
The Juge d'armes de France acted as the official authority that regulated and verified coats of arms across the country.
How they got arms
Families typically inherited their arms from ancestors, though they could also receive them through royal grants or by proving their noble status.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the Armorial Général de France, which began its main collection in the year 1696.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of France.
Origin & History of the Champion Family in France
The surname Champion emerged in France during the Middle Ages as a descriptive name rooted in the social structure of the time. It is derived from the Old French word *champion*, which referred to a person who fought in a judicial duel or a professional combatant who represented others in disputes. By the year 1440, records confirm that members of the Champion family were well-established in the region of Bretagne. During this period, the name was often associated with individuals who held land or served in local administrative roles within the feudal system. As the family grew, they became integrated into the local economy and social hierarchy of northwestern France. Their presence in Bretagne suggests they were part of the regional transition from medieval military service to more settled civilian life as the influence of the local nobility shifted.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
ermineDignity and rank
bordureA difference between branches of one family
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Counter-ermine (Ermines)Means: Dignity
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)
“Or, on a fesse gu. betw. three trefoils slipped ermines an eagle displ. of the field within a bordure engr. of the second bezantée”
EnglandLondon, c. 1565
Where the Champion Arms Were Recorded
London
Map of England showing where the Champion arms are recorded
The Champion arms were recorded in London, c. 1565.
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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in France when the Champion 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 Champion Family in England
The surname Champion emerged in England as a descriptive occupational name, likely identifying individuals who served as professional fighters or participants in medieval tournaments. By the mid-16th century, the family had established a clear presence in the bustling urban environment of London. Records from 1565 confirm that members of the Champion family were active residents of the city during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. At this time, London was a rapidly growing center of trade and commerce, and families like the Champions often integrated into the city’s merchant classes. Their transition from a name rooted in physical prowess to a settled urban identity reflects the broader social changes occurring in England as the country moved away from feudal structures toward a more modern, trade-based society.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
campus
A Latin term referring to an open field or level ground.
This name
ChampionAn occupational surname for a warrior, fighter, or a defender who engages in combat.
also spelled
Champyon
Champian
Champin
Shampion
Champeyon
Related arms
Champinvariant spelling
Champeyonvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Dauzat, Albert. Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de famille et prénoms de France. 1951
Morlet, Marie-Thérèse. Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de famille. 1991
Archives départementales d'Ille-et-Vilaine, Série E (Familles et seigneuries)
Archives départementales du Finistère, Série G (Clergé séculier)
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
escutcheonA shield within a shield, and a claim inherited
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
escutcheonA shield within a shield, and a claim inherited
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
ermineDignity and rank
bordureA difference between branches of one family
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
