Medieval Surnames Novels & Stories

he added, “They’re from the millitary division.” “Actually, it’s Patrice... Benette...” the medic said, his timid voice trailing off. “You say you are all commoners?” the old Morel said thoughfully, “Ignasuis is a well known title in the capital, and the Benettes are known military families, yet I see how he has healed my youngest son. Aside from that, I don’t think I know of your names...” “Well, the Gunnars are after all, a newly formed family branch...” mumbled Mar, sounding disappointed.

“Okay, I’m in. Gotta go.” An odd thought just occurred to him. Was the find in Mexico the same bowl his parents had locked up? He flipped the painting and plugged the code into the hidden safe. The bowl was still there. The money, the guns, the genealogy also. He opened it up and took another look. Once again, the size of his family surprised him. But this time he focused on the top of the chart. Most the family seemed to emerge from 13th Century family with Jerome St. Fond as its patriarch. A man who sired thirteen children. Apparently, the name had originally been de St. Fond and changed sometime in the 17th Century. Penciled in just above that, with a connecting line, was the name St. Fon

They were once used to bestow titles on knightly servants who had performed meritorious deeds, and later nobles used them to reward those close to them who had served them for generations, such as butlers and territorial officials. The title of squire meant that a manor could be granted as a fief, providing a livelihood for the family and the basis for the family's prosperity and growth. Most importantly, being given the title meant that they could have a family name. Yes, ordinary people only had first names, not surnames, and those with surnames were people of status. Although Harald Koy was the second son of a nobleman and therefore had a family name, he was no different from ordinary fre