| ![Show Contents]() Challenger History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 England The origins of the Anglo-Saxon name Challenger come from its first bearer, who was a challenger or champion. It is believed that the name was given to a knight who refused to accept the new Norman overlords at the time of the Norman Conquest. While it is not recorded what he did to express his refusal, it must have garnered him a lot of respect from his Norman chivalric peers, for they did not dispossess his descendants of their land; Phillip le Challenger was recorded in 1202, in Lincolnshire as Lord of a manor in the Assize Rolls of that county. Early Origins of the Challenger familyThe surname Challenger was first found in Lincolnshire where they held a family seat from very ancient times before and after the Norman Conquest in 1066. Early History of the Challenger familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Challenger research. Another 123 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1202, 1382 and 1565 are included under the topic Early Challenger History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Challenger Spelling VariationsThe first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Challenger has been spelled many different ways, including Challenger, Challengor, Challinger, Challenge and others. Early Notables of the Challenger familyNotables of this surname at this time include:
 Challenger migration to the United States | + |
Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Challengers to arrive in North America:
Challenger Settlers in United States in the 18th Century- William Challenger, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1790
Challenger Settlers in United States in the 19th Century- M. Challenger, aged 1, who arrived in America, in 1892
- Mrs. W. Challenger, aged 25, who arrived in America, in 1892
- W. Challenger, aged 28, who arrived in America, in 1892
Challenger Settlers in United States in the 20th Century- James Challenger, aged 21, who arrived in America from Abertillery, in 1904
- William Challenger, aged 24, who arrived in America from Porth, Wales, in 1910
- Mary Challenger, aged 43, who arrived in America, in 1911
- James Challenger, aged 56, who arrived in America from Cyinmeir, Wales, in 1912
- Albert E Challenger, aged 23, who arrived in America, in 1912
- ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
| Challenger migration to Canada | + |
Some of the first settlers of this family name were: Challenger Settlers in Canada in the 20th Century- Oscar Percivall Challenger, aged 28, who arrived in Toronto, Canada, in 1920
| Challenger migration to Australia | + |
Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include: Challenger Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century- William Challenger, English convict from Wiltshire, who was transported aboard the "Asia" on April 1st, 1822, settling in New South Wales, Australia 1
- Samuel Challenger, English convict from York, who was transported aboard the "Albion" on May 29, 1828, settling in New South Wales, Australia 2
- Mr. George Challenger, (b. 1823), aged 20, English convict who was convicted in Somerset, England for 14 years for stealing, transported aboard the "Cressy" on 28th April 1843, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 3
| Contemporary Notables of the name Challenger (post 1700) | + |
- H. S. Challenger (b. 1872), American Republican politician, News dealer; Member of Connecticut State Senate 23rd District, 1921-22 4
- Benjamin Arthur "Ben" Challenger (b. 1978), English gold and bronze medalist high jumper from Loughborough, Leicestershire
- Romeo Challenger (b. 1950), Caribbean-born, British-based musician
- Okeem Challenger (b. 1989), Antiguan and Barbudan footballer
- Frederick Challenger, Professor of Organic Chemistry, Leeds University
| Historic Events for the Challenger family | + |
- Mr. Charles William Challenger (1899-1941), Australian Chief Stoker from Brunswick, Victoria, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 5
HMS Royal Oak - Albert Llewellyn Challenger (1915-1939), British Able Seaman with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he died in the sinking 6
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Challenger migration to the United States 
Challenger migration to Canada 
Challenger migration to Australia 
