A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Christie family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Reg. 6331 · French, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'arg. au chev. de gu., acc. de trois puits maçonnés au nat.”
FranceNew-York, c. 1725
Where the Christie Arms Were Recorded
Bretagne
Map of France showing where the Christie arms are recorded
The Christie arms were recorded in New-York, c. 1725.
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.
Louis XV of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XV of France
1715–1774
Reigning in France when the Christie 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 Christie Family in France
The family name Christie has deep roots in the historical landscape of France, particularly within the region of Bretagne. By the early eighteenth century, records confirm that members of the family were well established in this coastal area by 1725. The name itself is derived from a shortened form of the name Christian, which became a common way to identify individuals during the Middle Ages. As families settled in the towns and rural parishes of Bretagne, they often integrated into the local agricultural or maritime economies that defined the region. Over time, the name evolved alongside the French language, reflecting the cultural shifts of the provinces. These early ancestors were part of the fabric of French society, living through the social and economic changes that shaped the eighteenth century before many families with this name eventually expanded their reach across the globe.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Ar. a saltire betw. four mullets sa”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Christie Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Christie arms are recorded
The Christie arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried arms.
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 France when the Christie 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 Christie Family in England
The surname Christie originated as a diminutive form of the name Christopher, which was derived from the Greek phrase meaning bearer of Christ. In medieval England, people often used these shortened versions of names to distinguish between individuals within a community. By the early seventeenth century, the name had become well-established in northern regions, including the city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that families bearing this name were active participants in the social and economic life of the city during this period. These early ancestors were likely tradespeople or laborers who contributed to the growth of York as a major regional hub. As the name spread through different parishes, it became a permanent fixture of the local population, reflecting the common practice of adopting patronymic surnames that identified a person by their father’s given name.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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, a saltire indented betw. four mullets sa”
AberdeenAberdeen, c. 1672
Where the Christie Arms Were Recorded
Aberdeen
Map of Scotland showing where the Christie arms are recorded
The Christie arms were recorded in Aberdeen, c. 1672.
Aberdeen was a granite trading town on the north-east coast with farming country behind it. Merchants who prospered bought estates inland, and buying an estate was what brought a family its arms.
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 Scotland in this period.
Charles II of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles II of England
1660–1685
Reigning in France when the Christie arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Scotland
Scottish heraldry is unique because it treats a coat of arms as a piece of personal property protected by law. Only one person can own a specific design at any given time. When a family grows, the head keeps the original shield while other relatives must apply for their own distinct version with slight changes to prove their specific identity.
Granting authority
The Court of the Lord Lyon acts as the official body that regulates and controls all heraldic matters throughout Scotland.
How they got arms
Individuals obtain a legal right to their arms through a formal petition process that confirms their identity and family connection.
Where arms were recorded
All valid coats of arms are officially entered into the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings starting from 1672.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Aberdeen.
Origin & History of the Christie Family in Scotland
The surname Christie has deep roots in Scotland, where it emerged as a shortened form of the name Christopher. By the mid-seventeenth century, the family had established a clear presence in the city of Aberdeen. Records from 1672 confirm that members of the Christie family were active in this region during a time of significant social and economic change. Many people with this name worked as merchants or tradesmen, which helped them integrate into the growing urban life of northeastern Scotland. Over time, the family spread from these coastal hubs into the surrounding rural areas. They became part of the local fabric by participating in parish life and contributing to the development of their communities. This history reflects the broader movement of Scottish families who built their legacies through steady work and local engagement across the centuries.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Christus
The anointed one derived from the Greek word Christos.
This name
ChristieA diminutive or patronymic form referring to a follower of Christ.
also spelled
Christy
Kristie
Kristi
Chrystie
Related arms
Christopher-Nisbet-Hamiltonvariant spelling
Chrystievariant spelling
Gibsonrecorded with Christie, same area
Robertonrecorded with Christie, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales d'Ille-et-Vilaine, Registres paroissiaux et d'état civil, 1725
Dauzat, Albert, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms et prénoms de France, 1951
Morlet, Marie-Thérèse, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de famille, 1991
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
