The surname of BAYLIS was a baptismal name 'the son of Bailey', i.e. the bailiff. Derived from the Old French BAILLIS. It was an occupational name for a steward or official, the title of a muncipal magistrate, and elsewhere as bailiff which in England denotes an officer who served writs and summonses and ensure that court orders are carried out. 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. Early records of the name mention Thomas Baillis of the County of Yorkshire in 1547. Samuel Baylles in 1635, ibid. Thomas Baylis and Rachel Nereway were married at St. George's, Hanover Square, London in 1767. John Parry and Elizabeth Bayless were married in 1778, ibid. The small villages of Europe, or royal and noble households, even large religious dwellings and monastries, gave rise to many family names, which reflected the occupation or profession of the original bearer of the name. Following the Crusades in Europe in the 11th 12th and 13th centuries a need was felt for an additional name. This was recognized by those of gentle birth, who realised that it added prestige and practical advantage to their status. 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. The associated arms are recorded in Sir Bernard Burkes General Armory. The arms were registered in London and granted 2nd June, 1725. |
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