This surname of BARNACLE was originally derived from the Old French word 'bernac' a kind of powerful bit or twitch for the mouth of a horse or an ass, used to restrain a restive animal. It was also used as an instrument of torture. It was a nickname applied to a man who was an expert in taming horses. The earliest French hereditary surnames are found in the 12th century, at more or less the same time as they arose in England, but they are by no means common before the 13th century, and it was not until the 15th century that they stabilized to any great extent; before then a surname might be handed down for two or three generations, but then abandoned in favour of another. In the south, many French surnames have come in from Italy over the centuries, and in Northern France, Germanic influence can often be detected. The earliest of the name on record appears to be Richard BERNIKEL, who appears in Kent, England in the year 1344, and Edward BARNIKEL of Yorkshire was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379. There is also a place BARNACLE, a hamlet in the parish of Bulkington, six miles from Coventry, County Warwick. Surnames as we know them today were first assumed in Europe from the 11th to the 15th Century. The employment in the use of a second name was a custom that was first introduced from the Normans. They themselves had not long before adopted them. It became, in course of time, a mark of gentler blood, and it was deemed a disgrace for gentlemen to have but one single name, as the meaner sort had. At first the coat of arms was a practical matter which served a function on the battlefield and in tournaments. With his helmet covering his face, and armour encasing the knight from head to foot, the only means of identification for his followers, was the insignia painted on his shield and embroidered on his surcoat, the flowing and draped garment worn over the armour. Later instances of the name mention Richard BARNAKYLL who registered at Oxford University in 1514, and John BARNACLE and Anne Chapman were married at St. Dionis Backchurch, London in 1545. The associated coat of arms is recorded in Sir Bernard Burkes General Armory. Ulster King of Arms in 1884. |
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