Chapman Family Crest framed artprint

The Chapman Family Crest framed artprint. Beautifully illustrated. Carefully researched. Uniquely personal.

Whether it’s a gift to celebrate a milestone birthday, a wedding or a housewarming—this piece is an instant heirloom.

The origin of the name Chapman

Chapman is an ancient Old English occupational surname derived from ceapman (combining ceap, trade or bargain, and mann, man), referring to a merchant, trader, or negotiator of goods. Widespread across England, chapmen played vital roles in medieval commerce, connecting rural manors to major market towns. The surname was codified early, appearing in the 1205 Pipe Rolls of Yorkshire (Alice Chepman) and the 1273 Hundred Rolls of Cambridgeshire.

The symbolism of the Chapman coat of arms

Refined and distinctive, the Chapman coat of arms features an argent / silver or white shield with black ermine spots, charged with three red rings (annulets) in chief and a red crescent in base. In classical heraldry, the argent / silver or white field with ermine spots symbolises high judicial purity and noble heritage, while the red rings denote fidelity and unity. The red crescent represents enlightenment and hope. Positioned above the shield, the crest displays an armored arm holding a broken spear. Below, the motto scroll displays Crescit sub pondere virtus, translating to "Virtue grows under a weight." Catalogued in Burke's General Armory (1884) for Chapman of Cambridgeshire and Middlesex.

Historical figures

George Chapman (c. 1559–1634): Famed English poet, dramatist, and translator best known for his landmark translations of Homer's Iliad and Odyssey.
Tracy Chapman (b. 1964): Grammy Award-winning American singer-songwriter famous for iconic folk-pop ballads.
Colin Chapman (1928–1982): Influential English design engineer, founder of Lotus Cars, and Formula One racing legend.

Product details

Ayous wood 0.75″ (1.9 cm) thick frame from renewable forests
Paper thickness: 10.3 mil (0.26 mm)
Paper weight: 189 g/m²
Lightweight & acrylite front protector
Hanging hardware included

No Warehouses. No Waste. Just for you, made to order

This product is printed especially for you when ordered, one at a time, by royal decree of Mother Nature to keep the realm beautiful. Family Crests Store guarantees your custom treasure meets all EU and USA safety standards.

About the artist

Each coat of arms in the Family Crests Store is an artwork by heraldic artist Éamonn Breathnach. All are carefully researched, drawing from the earliest available records across multiple heraldic archives. Noted for their elegance and attention to detail, these artworks make meaningful gifts for family occasions.