A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Christopher family of England.
Reg. 3884 · 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 Christopher Arms Were Recorded
London
Map of England showing where the Christopher arms are recorded
The Christopher 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 Christopher 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 Christopher Family in England
The surname Christopher originates from the ancient 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, a figure widely venerated for his role as a protector of travelers. As surnames began to formalize in England, many families adopted the name as a patronymic, meaning it was passed down from a father named Christopher to his children. By the early 17th century, the family was well-established in London, as evidenced by records of individuals living in the city around 1620. During this era, London was a bustling center of trade and migration, and families bearing this name were part of the growing urban population that helped shape the city’s social and economic landscape.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Christophoros
Derived from Greek words meaning Christ and to bear or carry.
This name
ChristopherOne who carries Christ in their heart or bears the name of Christ.
also spelled
Christofer
Christopherson
Related arms
Cristofervariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1997
The National Archives, State Papers Domestic: James I, 1620
London Metropolitan Archives, City of London Parish Registers, 1620
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
