The Romance of Heraldry

Heraldry evolved in the twelfth Century, coinciding with the development of armor, around the time of the Crusades.

In battle, a knight clad in armor, was almost unrecognizable hence the need for distinguishable features, a new method of recognition. This resulted in distinctive insignia being painted on their shields, and embroidered on their surcoat. The insignia thus adopted soon became guarded objects of family pride. A son could inherit his fathers markings, and carry them into battle with pride.

After the battle, the knight would return to his castle and hang his shield and helmet on the wall.

Some names have one or more Coats of Arms. This is not unusual. In medieval times each time an individual was knighted he was granted his own Coat of Arms - that was his identity. As certain individuals distinguished themselves, their Coat of Arms became widely recognized by his contemporaries. To display a certain Coat of Arms you should have a line of direct descent. In the absence of such detailed records it is reasonable to assume that the oldest Coat of Arms of record will represent more people of that name than perhaps the prettiest one. That is why we research to find the oldest one we can find for any name.

The Evolution of Surnames

About the year 1000 A.D individuals used only first names or nicknames. The High Kings like Brian Boro wanted to charge a tax to each individual in their realm - the first income tax of sorts.

A census was taken and each individual was given a surname to distinguish one from another. Names were, at this time created, based on whom you were descended from, your occupation, where you lived or perhaps some physical characteristic.

The prefix Mac and O were added to establish son of or grandson of.

Example MacCormac -son of Cormac and O Brien - grandson of Brian

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