Map of Belgium showing where the Deschamps arms are recorded
The Deschamps arms were recorded in Bruxelles, c. 1737.
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 Belgium in this period.
Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor
1711–1740
Reigning in Belgium when the Deschamps arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Belgium
In Belgium, a coat of arms is considered personal property that is passed down through the male line to legitimate descendants. Families often use the same shield design across generations to show their shared heritage. If a branch of the family wants to change the design, they must apply for an official update to their specific version of the arms.
Granting authority
The Conseil héraldique is the official body that regulates and approves all coats of arms in Belgium.
How they got arms
Families obtain their coats of arms through formal royal grants or by confirming their historical right to use existing designs.
Where arms were recorded
All approved coats of arms are officially recorded in the public registers of the Conseil héraldique since 1844.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Belgium.
Origin & History of the Deschamps Family in Belgium
The surname Deschamps is a topographic name of French origin, meaning "of the fields." While the name is widely distributed across French-speaking regions, its presence in Brussels by 1737 highlights the integration of families moving between the borders of the Southern Netherlands and neighboring territories. During the eighteenth century, Brussels served as a bustling administrative and commercial hub under the rule of the Austrian Habsburgs. Families like the Deschamps often settled in urban centers to pursue trades or bureaucratic roles, benefiting from the city's status as a crossroads for European culture. By establishing themselves in the capital, these early family members became part of a diverse population that navigated the complex social and linguistic shifts occurring in the region during the Enlightenment. Their presence in local records from this era reflects a broader history of migration and social mobility that defined the development of many prominent families in Belgium.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'azur au chev. d'or, acc. en chef de deux étoiles d'arg. et en p. d'une rose du même.”
FranceParis, c. 1663
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of France showing where the Deschamps arms are recorded
The Deschamps arms were recorded in Paris, c. 1663.
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 XIV of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XIV of France
1643–1715
Reigning in Belgium when the Deschamps 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 Deschamps Family in France
The surname Deschamps is a classic example of a topographical name, which means it was originally used to identify people based on where they lived. In French, the name translates to "of the fields," suggesting that the earliest ancestors were likely farmers or laborers who worked the land in rural areas. By the time members of the family were documented in Paris in 1663, the name had already become a well-established identifier for families moving into the growing urban center. During the seventeenth century, Paris was a hub of social and economic change, and families like the Deschamps were part of the migration that helped shape the city’s identity. As they settled into the capital, they transitioned from their rural roots to become part of the diverse population that defined the French social landscape during the reign of King Louis XIV.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Gu. a fesse or, betw. six plates”
Englandc. 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of England showing where the Deschamps arms are recorded
The Deschamps 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 Belgium when the Deschamps 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 Deschamps Family in England
The surname Deschamps originates from the French language and translates literally to mean of the fields. While the name is deeply rooted in French history, its presence in England became notable during the early seventeenth century. Records confirm that members of the family were living in the city of York by 1620. During this period, England saw an influx of families from across the channel due to shifting religious and economic landscapes in Europe. Settling in a major northern hub like York suggests that these early ancestors were likely involved in trade or skilled crafts, as the city served as a vital center for commerce and industry at the time. By establishing themselves in such a prominent location, the family became part of the diverse social fabric that defined England during the reign of King James I.
Deschamps Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
campus
Latin term for a field, plain, or open expanse of land.
This name
DeschampsRefers to someone who lived near or worked on the fields.
also spelled
Deschamp
Descham
Deshan
Champs
Related arms
Arancysame arms
Barniersame arms
Cocqueriesame arms
Champs (des) de Gésiervariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
State Archives in Belgium (Archives de l'État à Bruxelles), Registres paroissiaux de la ville de Bruxelles
Herbillon, Jules and Germain, Jean, Dictionnaire des noms de famille en Belgique romane et dans les régions limitrophes, 1996
Wauters, Alphonse, Histoire des environs de Bruxelles, 1855
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
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
