Map of England showing where the Christian arms are recorded
The Christian arms were recorded in Cumberland, c. 1600.
Cumberland was rough border country in the north-west, facing Scotland across a disputed line. Its families held land in return for keeping it defended, and men who fought carried shields of their own.
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 England when the Christian 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 Cumberland.
Origin & History of the Christian Family in England
The surname Christian has deep roots in the northern regions of England, particularly within the county of Cumberland. By the year 1600, families bearing this name were already well-established in the area, living as part of the local community during a time of significant social change. The name itself originates from the personal name Christian, which was derived from the Latin word Christianus, meaning a follower of Christ. In the centuries before permanent surnames became mandatory, people often adopted this name to signify their religious devotion or their baptismal identity. Over time, as naming customs shifted, this personal name became a hereditary family surname passed down through generations. These early families in Cumberland were often involved in local agriculture and trade, helping to shape the rural landscape of the borderlands during the late Tudor and early Stuart periods.
Christian Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Christianus
A Latinized form derived from the Greek word for anointed one.
This name
ChristianA follower of Christ or one who belongs to the Christian faith.
also spelled
Christien
Related arms
Thwaitesrecorded with Christian, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
