Coat of Arms & Family Crests Store
 ARN Family Crest / ARN Coat of ArmsThis surname of ARN was originally derived from the Old English word EARNWIG, meaning 'eagle-warrior'. The earliest of the name on record appears to be ERNUI (without surname) who was listed as a tenant in the Domesday Book of 1086. The Norman Conquest in England in the year of 1066 revolutionized our personal nomenclature. The old English name system was gradually broken up and old English names became less common and were replaced by new names from the continent. Most of the early documents deal with the upper classes who realised that an additional name added prestige and practical advantage to their status. Names of peasants rarely occurred in medieval documents. In 1086 the compilation of the Domesday Book was ordered by William the Conqueror (1027-87), king of England from 1066. He was born in Failaise, the bastard son of Robert, Duke of Normandy, by Arlette, a tanner's daughter. On his father's death in 1035, the nobles accepted him as a duke. When Edward the Confessor, King of England died in 1066, William invaded England that Autumn, on 14th October, 1066 killing Harold (who had assumed the title of King). English government under William assumed a more feudal aspect, the King's tenants-in-chief and all title to land was derived from his grants, and the Domesday Book contains details of the land settlements, and the names of the owners of such. Later records of the name mention ERNWI (without surname) who appears in London in 1150, and Peter Erne was recorded in the year 1243 in County Somerset. A notable member of this name was Thomas Augustine ARNE (l7l0-l778) the English composer born in London and educated at Eton (England). His father, an upholsterer intended him for the Bar but he became skilful as a violinist. His zeal induced his sister, the actress Mrs.Cibber, to cultivate her excellent voice. He wrote for her a part in his first opera "Rosamond" in l733. He married a singer, Cecilia Young in l736 and after a successful visit to Ireland was appointed composer to Drury Lane Theatre in London, for which he composed the famous settings of Shakespearean songs, "Under the Greenwood Tree" "Blow Blow Thou Winter Wind" etc. His son Michael (l740-l786) was also a musician and composer, remembered for his song "The Lass with the Delicate Air". |
