The surname of BASTERRA was a Spanish baptismal name 'the son of Sebastian'. The name was originally rendered in the Latin form Sebastianus, originally an ethnic name meaning 'man from Sebastia' a city in Pontus named from the Greek Sebastos (revered). The name was borne by a 3rd century martyr who became the patron saint of Nuremberg, hence the popularity of the name in Germany. The name was in early use in Cornwall and south-west England, where Spanish influence would have prevailed. In the 8th century, Spain fell under the control of the Moors, and this influence, which lasted into the 12th century, has also left its mark on Hispanic surnames. A few names are based directly on Arabic personal names. The majority of Spanish occupational and nickname surnames, however, are based on ordinary Spanish derivatives. Early records of the name in England mention William, son of Bastian Trevithan, who was baptised at St. Columb Major, Cornwall in the year 1599. William Bastian, registered at Oxford University in the year 1796. Bastien Chevrey married Joanna Gale at St. George's, Hanover Square, London in the year 1796. 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 draped and flowing garment worn over the armour. During the Middle Ages, when people were unable to read or write, signs were needed for all visual identification. For several centuries city streets were filled with signs of all kinds, public houses, tradesmen and even private householders found them necessary. This was an age when there were no numbered houses, and an address was a descriptive phrase that made use of a convenient landmark. At this time, coats of arms came into being, for the practical reason that men went into battle heavily armed and were difficult to recognise. It became the custom for them to adorn their helmets with distinctive crests, and to paint their shields with animals and the like. Coats of arms accompanied the development of surnames, becoming hereditary in the same way. |
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