Champny is a name that was carried to
England in the great wave of migration from
Normandy following the
Norman Conquest of 1066. The Champny 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 Champny family
The surname Champny 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 Champny family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Champny research.
Another 145 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1300 and 1534 are included under the topic Early Champny History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Champny Spelling Variations
Before English spelling was standardized a few
hundred years ago,
spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, Norman French and other languages became incorporated into English throughout the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Champny include Champney, Chamnes, Chamness, Chamney, Champneys and many more.
Early Notables of the Champny family (pre 1700)
More information is included under the topic Early Champny Notables in all our
PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Champny family to Ireland
Some of the Champny 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 Champny family to the New World and Oceana
In
England at this time, the uncertainty of the political and religious environment of the time caused many families to board ships for distant British colonies in the hopes of finding land and opportunity, and escaping persecution. The voyages were expensive, crowded, and difficult, though, and many arrived in North America sick, starved, and destitute. Those who did make it, however, were greeted with greater opportunities and freedoms that they could have experienced at home. Many of those families went on to make important contributions to the young nations in which they settled. Early immigration records have shown some of the first Champnys to arrive on North American shores: 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 Champny 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.