This name BERRINGER was originally of German origin, probably brought to England in the wake of the Norman Conquest of 1066. It was a baptismal name 'the son of Beringer'. The first hereditary surnames on German soil are found in the second half of the 12th century, slightly later than in England and France. However, it was not until the 16th century that they became stabilized. The practice of adopting hereditary surnames began in the southern areas of Germany, and gradually spread northwards during the Middle Ages. Early records of the name mention Berenger Giffard, listed as a tenant in the Domesday Book of 1086. Many of the early names recorded in medieval documents denote noble families but many also indicate migration from the continent during, and in the wake of, the Norman invasion of 1066. There was a constant stream of merchants, workmen and others arriving in England during this time. In 1086 the Record of Great Inquisition of lands of England, their extent, value, ownership and liabilities was made by order of William The Conquerer. It is known as the Domesday book. Robertus Filius Berengarii was recorded in London in the year 1150 and Belingar (without surname) was recorded in Dorset in 1207. Berenger le Moine was documented in County Northampton in the year 1273. William Berenger of County Somerset was documented during the reign of Edward III (1327-1377) and Berenger de Todeni of Yorkshire was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379. William Barringer was registered at Oxford University in 1614. Andrew, son of Simon Beranger, was baptised at St. Antholin, London in 1694. During the Middle Ages, when people were unable to read or write, signs were needed for all visual identification. For several centuries city streets in Britain 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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