A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Child family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 8912 · Britain, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“De sin. à deux fasces engr. d'or, acc. de trois têtes de léopard du même. C.: une tête de léopard d'or, accostée de deux branches de laurier de sin. D.: SPES ALIT.”
EssexEssex, c. 1684
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Map of Britain showing where the Child arms are recorded
The Child arms were recorded in Essex, c. 1684.
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 Britain in this period.
Charles II of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles II of England
1660–1685
Reigning in Britain when the Child arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Britain
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 Child Family in Britain
The surname Child originated in medieval England as a descriptive nickname for a young person or a servant. During the Middle Ages, it was common for people to be identified by their physical traits or their social status, and this name likely distinguished a younger man or an apprentice from others in his community. By the late seventeenth century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Essex. Records from 1684 confirm that members of the family were settled in this region, where they were often involved in local agriculture and trade. As the centuries passed, the name became firmly rooted in the English landscape, reflecting the transition from simple occupational labels to permanent family identities that were passed down through generations.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Erm. on a chief indented gu. three escallops or”
LeicesterLeicester, c. 1619
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Map of England showing where the Child arms are recorded
The Child arms were recorded in Leicester, c. 1619.
Leicestershire was grazing country, and wool and cattle made steady money rather than spectacular fortunes. Steady money bought manors, and manors are what brought families into 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 England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in Britain when the Child 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 Leicester.
Origin & History of the Child Family in England
The surname Child originated in England as a descriptive nickname, likely used to distinguish a younger son or a person who possessed a youthful or innocent appearance. By the early seventeenth century, the name was well-established in the English Midlands, specifically within the county of Leicestershire. Records from 1619 confirm that members of the Child family were active residents in Leicester during this period, participating in the local social and economic life of the town. During this era, surnames were becoming increasingly fixed, transitioning from simple identifiers used in local communities to formal family names passed down through generations. As the family grew, they integrated into the fabric of English society, leaving traces in parish registers and legal documents that highlight their long-standing presence in the region.
Child Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
cild
Old English term referring to a young person or infant.
This name
ChildOriginally used as a nickname for a young person or a youth of noble birth.
also spelled
Childe
Chyld
Chilled
Chylde
Related arms
Ducarelrecorded with Child, same area
Fellgaterecorded with Child, same area
Magrathrecorded with Child, same area
Marburyrecorded with Child, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Essex Record Office, Quarter Sessions Rolls, 1684
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
