A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Christofer family of England.
Reg. 8513 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
otterOne who lives life to the full
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Per chev. wavy az. and erminois a chart of Chesterfield's Inlet betw. two estoiles in chief ar. and on a mount in base vert a beaver pass. ppr”
EnglandLondon, c. 1620
Where the Christofer Arms Were Recorded
London
Map of England showing where the Christofer arms are recorded
The Christofer arms were recorded in London, c. 1620.
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 Christofer 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 Christofer Family in England
The family name Christofer traces its roots to the Greek name Christophoros, which translates to one who bears Christ. By the early 17th century, the name had evolved into a distinct surname used by families living in the bustling city of London. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Christofer family were active participants in the social and economic life of the capital during this era. At that time, London was a center of rapid growth and international trade, and families with this name were likely involved in the city's expanding merchant guilds or local parish administration. Because the name was tied to a religious tradition, it was often passed down through generations as a way to honor personal faith. These early London residents helped establish the name as a permanent part of the city’s historical landscape, laying the foundation for the family’s presence in England for centuries to come.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Christophoros
Greek for bearing or carrying Christ.
This name
ChristoferA person who carries or bears the spirit of Christ within them.
also spelled
Christofer
Christopherson
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
The National Archives, London Consistory Court Depositions, 1620
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
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
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
otterOne who lives life to the full
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
otterOne who lives life to the full
