Surname Campion - Meaning and Origin

Campion: What does the surname Campion mean?

The surname Campion is of Anglo-Norman origin and is commonly found in England and France. The name is derived from the Latin word 'campio' or 'campionem', which means 'champion'. In the Middle Ages, it was a popular nickname for a professional fighter or a sports champion. These would have been individuals who demonstrated great courage and strength in tournaments, hence gaining the title 'Campio'. It ultimately formed into the surname 'Campion'. Several notable figures such as Saint Edmund Campion and filmmaker Jane Campion share this surname. Therefore, the Campion surname carries a rich history and implies strength, courage and success.

Campion: Where does the name Campion come from?

The last name Campion is derived from the Latin term "Campionem," which means "champion." Developed during the dark ages, it was usually given to professional athletes, jesters, gladiators, or champions of jousting tournaments, implying that they were great competitors. Moreover, it can also link to those who were "tributes" or "tributes" in Medieval England. The alternative forms of the surname, such as Champion, Campian, Campione, Campana, and others, all have the same roots.

The Campion surname is most common in England, particularly in the East Midlands, where it was first recorded in the 12th century. A part of the Norman French invasion in 1066 AD, one of the first records of this family name was William Campion in 1202, in the "Pipe Rolls of Cornwall." Additionally, it's quite prevalent in Ireland, traced back to the 14th-century Anglo-Norman invasion.

Today, the surname Campion is distributed globally due to migration and colonization, mostly found in England, Australia, the United States, Canada, and New Zealand. Despite its distribution, it remains a relatively rare surname worldwide. Famous people with the last name Campion include New Zealand film director Jane Campion and British botanist Thomas Campion.

Variations of the surname Campion

The surname Campion has its origins in the Latin name "Campionem" which was used to refer to someone who took part in organized games or contests. It is derived from the Late Latin word for "champion." Over time, variations and other spellings of the surname have evolved due to regional dialects, phonetic spelling, or translation into other languages.

Variations of the surname Campion may include Campionne, Campione, Champion, Champione, and Kampion. It's also possible to find it spelled as Campions or Campeon. Some other related surnames with potential same origins might include Campana, Campanello, Campanelli, and Campany, though these names connect more to the Latin word "campus" meaning field.

Irish variations of the name, coming from the Gaelic "Campshuibhne," include Chamney, Chamneys, Campney, and Kempson.

It's important to note that the variations of the Campion surname greatly depend on the country and its local dialects where the name was altered or translated. The surname and its variations spread by the migration of different families, altering the name due to regional and linguistic differences.

Famous people with the name Campion

• Jane Campion: An esteemed New Zealand film director, screenwriter, and producer known for films such as "The Piano" and "The Portrait of a Lady". She is the second woman to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Director.
• Edith Campion: A New Zealand actress and director. She was well recognized for her work on popular TV shows such as "Country GP" and "Close to Home".
• Thomas Campion: An English composer, poet, and physician from the Renaissance period. He is known for his books of Ayres as well as his mastery of poetry and song writing.
• Camilla Campion-Awwad: A British plastic surgeon who specializes in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, best known for her appearances on a television series.
• Colm Campion: An Irish hurler who played as a centre-forward for the Offaly senior team.
• Bill Campion: A former professional basketball player who played in the NBA for the Milwaukee Bucks and the New York Nets.
• Saint Edmund Campion: An English Roman Catholic Jesuit priest and martyr who was canonized in 1970 by Pope Paul VI.
• Anna Campion: A British director and writer, known for her works like "Loaded" and "Holy Smoke". She is also the sister of Jane Campion.

Other surnames

Campian