A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Christmas family of England.
Reg. 8281 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
rabbitOne who lives peaceably and well
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Gu. on a fesse or, betw. three conies ar. a crescent az. betw. two martlets sa”
EssexEssex, c. 1620
Where the Christmas Arms Were Recorded
Essex
Map of England showing where the Christmas arms are recorded
The Christmas arms were recorded in Essex, c. 1620.
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 England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Christmas 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 Essex.
Origin & History of the Christmas Family in England
The surname Christmas originated in medieval England as a descriptive name, often given to individuals born during the festive season or those who held a specific role in local church pageants. By the early seventeenth century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Essex, where they were integrated into the local agricultural and social fabric. Records from 1620 indicate that members of the family were settled in this region, likely working as landowners or tradespeople during a period of significant social change in England. As the name spread through the English countryside, it became associated with families who were deeply rooted in their local parishes. These early ancestors helped shape the identity of the name long before it became more widely recognized across the country.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Christesmaesse
Old English term for the mass or festival of Christ.
This name
ChristmasA surname originally given to someone born on or associated with the holiday of Christmas.
also spelled
Christmes
Related arms
Cristmassvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Essex Record Office, Quarter Sessions Rolls, Q/SR 230/28, 1620
Cottle, Basil, The Penguin Dictionary of Surnames, 1967
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
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
rabbitOne who lives peaceably and well
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
rabbitOne who lives peaceably and well
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
