ARMIGER
Armiger
Overview
Armiger is a British surname that dates back to medieval times. The name is of Anglo-Norman origin and derived from the Old French word "armiger," which means "bearer of arms" or "armour-bearer." In medieval Europe, the term armiger referred to a squire or knight's attendant who carried his master's armor.
History
The Armiger family has ancient roots in England, with records showing the surname first appearing in the Domesday Book of 1086, a survey of land ownership commissioned by William the Conqueror. Over the centuries, the Armiger surname spread to various regions in England, particularly in areas with a strong tradition of chivalry and knighthood.
During the Middle Ages, Armiger families often held positions of importance in feudal society, serving as knights, landowners, and military leaders. The surname may have also been adopted by individuals who had a connection to the nobility or were involved in heraldry and coat of arms design.
Distribution and Modern Significance
Today, the Armiger surname is relatively rare and is found primarily in the United Kingdom, particularly in England. Armiger descendants may be traced to regions with a historical association with medieval knighthood and heraldry.
While the surname has become less common in modern times, those bearing the Armiger name can take pride in their heritage linked to the noble traditions of chivalry and heraldry in British history. The Armiger name serves as a reminder of the valor and honour associated with ancestral knights and their role in medieval society.
References
- Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.
- Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (2011). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
There are approximately 530 people named Armiger in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around eight in a million people in Britain are named Armiger.
Surname type: Occupational name
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Craig
- David
- James
- Joseph
- Matthew
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- Scott
- Stuart
Female
- Alison
- Claire
- Danielle
- Dorothy
- Joan
- Joanne
- Karen
- Kathleen
- Lindy
- Patricia
- Paula
- Susan
- Wendy