Show ContentsChambellayne History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Chambellayne

What does the name Chambellayne mean?

The Chambellayne family was an integral part of the history ancient France since it was derived from the northern, coastal region of Normandy. Chambellayne was a name given to a person who worked as a chamberlain. A chamberlain was one who was in charge of the private chambers of a noble, and later was a high ranking title having derived from the Anglo Norman French word, "chamberlan."

Early Origins of the Chambellayne family

The surname Chambellayne was first found in Normandy (French: Normandie), the former Duchy of Normandy, where this distinguished family held a family seat.

"John, Count de Tankerville, of Tankerville Castle, in Normandy, took part in the expedition against England, but returned after the battle of Hastings to his hereditary estates, leaving a son in the conquered country, who became chamberlain to Henry I., and whose son, Richard, assumed the surname of Chamberlain from his office." 1

Early History of the Chambellayne family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Chambellayne research. Another 72 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1066, 1616, 1666, 1703 and 1723 are included under the topic Early Chambellayne History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Chambellayne Spelling Variations

One can encounter great variation in the spelling of French surnames; in part, as spelling, and the spelling names was not yet standardized during the early development of the written French language. Later, there was much branching and movement of families, and spellings would change according to region. Variations of the name Chambellayne include Chamberland, Chambellain, Chamberlan, Chamberlain, Chambellan, Chambellayn, Chambelain, Chamberlayne, Chamberlaine, Chamberllayne, Chamberlayn, Chamberleine, Chamberlane, Chambelan, Chambelane, Chambelaine and many more.

Early Notables of the Chambellayne family

Another 45 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Chambellayne Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Chambellayne family

In 1643, 109 years after the first landings by Cartier, there were only about 300 people in Quebec. Migration was slow. The fur trade attracted migrants, both noble and commoner. By 1675, there were 7000 French in Quebec. By the same year the French Acadian presence in the Maritimes had reached 500. The French founded Lower Canada, thus becoming one of the two great founding nations of Canada. The family name Chambellayne has made many distinguished contributions in France and New France to the world of science, culture, religion, and education. Amongst the settlers in North America with this distinguished name Chambellayne were Mrs. Chamberlain who settled in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1638; Mrs. Chamberlain who settled in San Francisco in 1853; Ann Chamberlain who settled in Maryland in 1741.



The Chambellayne 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: Virtuti nihil invium
Motto Translation: Nothing is impervious to valour.


  1. Burke, John Bernard, The Roll of Battle Abbey. London: Edward Churton, 26, Holles Street, 1848, Print.


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