Coat of Arms & Family Crests Store
 Haack Coat of Arms / Haack Family CrestThe surname of HAACK was a baptismal name 'the son of Hake'. The name was brought to England in the wake of the Norman Conquest of 1066. It was originally found in the Old Norman form of HAKI. In Germany in the 11th century, the name was used as an occupational name for a pedlar or street trader, and the English surname HACK derives from a 16th century borrowing of this term. 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. The origin of badges and emblems, are traced to the earliest times, although, Heraldry, in fact, cannot be traced later than the 12th century, or at furthest the 11th century. At first armorial bearings were probably like surnames and assumed by each warrior at his free will and pleasure, his object being to distinguish himself from others. It has long been a matter of doubt when bearing Coats of Arms first became hereditary. It is known that in the reign of Henry V (1413-1422), a proclamation was issued, prohibiting the use of heraldic ensigns to all who could not show an original and valid right, except those 'who had borne arms at Agincourt'. The College of Arms (founded in 1483) is the Royal corporation of heralds who record proved pedigrees and grant armorial bearings. Early records of the name mention Henry Hak, who was documented in County Lincolnshire, 1273. William Hack of County Somerset, was recorded in the year of 1300. Geoffrey de la Hak of Yorkshire, was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379. |
