This Italian surname of ALTO was originally derived from the Old French AILMER, which was composed of the elements ALTO (high) + MARE (sea). The name is also spelt ALTIMARI, ALTOMARI, ALMAR, MARI, ADEMAR and ALMER. The name has travelled widely in its many forms, and was brought into England in the wake of the Norman Conquest, where it took the form AYLMER. Ailmar (without surname) who was listed in the Domesday Book as a tenant-in-chief, appears to be the first of the name on record. Godwinus filius Elmari, was documented in the year 1115, and Ailmerus le Bercher was recorded in Berkshire in the year 1208. Following the crusades in Europe in the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries, a need was felt for a family name to replace the one given at birth, or in addition to it. This was recognized by those of noble birth, and particularly by those who went on the Crusades, as it added prestige and practical advantage to their status. Other records of the name mention Eylmer filius Sirich, 1273, County Oxford. Elmericus de Besye, was documented in the County of Suffolk, ibid. Walter Elmer was documented during the reign of Edward III (1327-1377) and William Elmar of Yorkshire, was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379. Richarde Carter and Cecily Ellmar were married at St. James's, Clerkenwell, London in the year 1574. Laurence ALMA-TADEMA (1836-1912) was the Dutch painter, who settled in England in 1870. He painted romantic idealized scenes from Greek, Roman and Egyptian life, in a distinctive and detailed style. In the Middle Ages heraldry came into use as a practical matter. It originated in the devices used to distinguish the armoured warriors in tournament and war, and was also placed on seals as marks of identity. As far as records show, true heraldry began in the middle of the 12th century, and appeared almost simultaneously in several countries of Western Europe. |
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