A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Christophe family of France.
Reg. 1139 · French, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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. d'azur, acc. de trois merlettes de sa.; à la bord. engr. de gu. C.: une merlette de sa.”
LorraineLorraine, c. 1726
Where the Christophe Arms Were Recorded
Lorraine
Map of France showing where the Christophe arms are recorded
The Christophe arms were recorded in Lorraine, c. 1726.
Lorraine sat on the border between France and the German lands, and border country bred soldiers. Families here held small estates and served in arms, and a fighting man was exactly the sort who carried a shield of his 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 France in this period.
Louis XV of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XV of France
1715–1774
Reigning in France when the Christophe 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 Lorraine.
Origin & History of the Christophe Family in France
The name Christophe originates from the Greek name Christophoros, which translates to "bearer of Christ." During the Middle Ages, this name became popular across Europe due to the legend of Saint Christopher, who was widely venerated as a protector of travelers. By the early 18th century, the family was well-established in the Lorraine region of France. At that time, Lorraine was a duchy with a distinct cultural identity that served as a crossroads between French and Germanic influences. Families living in this area often worked in agriculture, forestry, or local crafts, contributing to the steady growth of the regional population. As the name passed from one generation to the next, it transitioned from a personal given name into a hereditary surname that identified the family within their local community.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Christophoros
Derived from Greek words meaning Christ and to bear or carry.
This name
ChristopheA French name signifying one who carries Christ in their heart or spirit.
also spelled
Kristophe
Kristof
Christopher
Related arms
Durantsimilar arms
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Dauzat, Albert. Dictionnaire étymologique des noms et prénoms de France. 1951
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
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
