This name BACHUS was of the occupational group of surnames meaning 'one who was employed at the bake-house'. Occupational surnames originally denoted the actual occupation followed by the individual. At what period they became hereditary is a difficult problem. Many of the occupation names were descriptive and could be varied. In the Middle Ages, at least among the Christian population, people did not usually pursue specialized occupations exclusively to the extent that we do today, and they would, in fact, turn their hand to any form of work that needed to be done, particularly in a large house or mansion, or on farms and smallholdings. In early documents, surnames often refer to the actual holder of an office, whether the church or state. The name was derived from the Old English word BAECHUS. Early records of the name mention Walter de Bakhous who appeared in 1306 in London. Richard del Bakhous was documented in County Surrey in the year 1332. Thomas Bachous appears in 1334, London. Thomas del Bakhouse of Yorkshire, was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379. Originally the coat of arms identified the wearer, either in battle or in tournaments. Completely covered in body and facial armour the knight could be spotted and known by the insignia painted on his shield, and embroidered on his surcoat, the draped garment which enveloped him. William Backhowse of Hampshire, registered at Oxford University in the year 1538, and George Backhouse and Anne Meryton were married in London in 1571. John Baccus (an adult) was baptised at St. George's, Hanover Square, London in the year 1753. Between the 11th and 15th centuries it became customary for surnames to be assumed in Europe, but were not commonplace in England or Scotland before the Norman Conquest of 1066. They are to be found in the Domesday Book of 1086. Those of gentler blood assumed surnames at this time, but it was not until the reign of Edward III (1307-1327) that second names became general practice for all people. |
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