The name Campenay arrived in
England after the
Norman Conquest of 1066. The Campenay family lived in
Yorkshire. They were originally from Champigne or
Champagne,
Normandy, and it is from the family's residence there that the name derives.
Early Origins of the Campenay family
The surname Campenay was first found in Somersetshire they claim descent from the Sieur de Champney in
Normandy. From him the Chamneys of Orchardleuigh in
Oxfordshire descend.
[1]CITATION[CLOSE]
Burke, John Bernard, The Roll of Battle Abbey. London: Edward Churton, 26, Holles Street, 1848, Print.
Early History of the Campenay family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Campenay research.
Another 145 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1300 and 1534 are included under the topic Early Campenay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Campenay Spelling Variations
A multitude of
spelling variations characterize Norman surnames. Many variations occurred because Old and Middle English lacked any definite spelling rules. The introduction of Norman French to
England also had a pronounced effect, as did the court languages of Latin and French. Therefore, one person was often referred to by several different spellings in a single lifetime. The various spellings include Champney, Chamnes, Chamness, Chamney, Champneys and many more.
Early Notables of the Campenay family (pre 1700)
More information is included under the topic Early Campenay Notables in all our
PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Campenay family to Ireland
Some of the Campenay family moved to
Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 31 words (2 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Campenay family to the New World and Oceana
Many English families left
England, to avoid the chaos of their homeland and migrated to the many British colonies abroad. Although the conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and some travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute, once in the colonies, many of the families prospered and made valuable contributions to the cultures of what would become the United States and Canada. Research into the origins of individual families in North America has revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Campenay or a variant listed above: Edward Champneys who settled in New Jersey in 1675 with his wife Priscilla, son and daughter; James Champness settled in Baltimore in 1774; John and Jane Champnes settled in Barbados in 1654..
The Campenay Motto
The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.
Motto: Pro patria non timidus perire
Motto Translation: Not afraid to die for my country.