BEAUCHEMIN was a locational name, local of 'Beauchamp', from Beauchamp near Arranches and another near Harre in France. Local names usually denoted where a man held his land and indicated where he actually lived. 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. 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 II (1307-1327) that second names became general practice for all people. Early records of the name mention Roger de Beauchaumpe of County Bedfordshire in 1272. John de Belle Campo of County Somerset, during the reign of Edward III in 1327. William Beecham of the County of Cornwall, registered at Oxford University in 1600. A later record of the name is Sir Thomas Beecham (1879-1961) who was an English conductor and impresario, son of the famous 'pill millionaire' Sir Joseph Beecham(1848-1916). Sir Thomas was born in St Helens, Lancashire. When the coast of England was invaded by William The Conqueror in the year 1066, the Normans brought with them a store of French personal names, which soon, more or less, entirely replaced the traditional more varied Old English personal names, at least among the upper and middle classes. A century of so later, given names of the principal saints of the Christian church began to be used. It is from these two types of given name that the majority of the English patronymic surnames are derived and used to this day. |
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