The surname of NAFF was derived from the Old French word 'le Neve' the nephew. The name was brought into England in the wake of the Norman Invasion of 1066. 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 Conqueror. It is known as the Domesday Book. 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 name is also spelt NEAVE, NEEVE, NEFFE, NEEFKEN and NEEVEN. A family by the name NEVE trace their descent from Robert le NEVE living in Tivetshall, County Norfolk, in the 14th century. Other records of the name mention Rayner le NEVE who was recorded in County Norfolk in 1273 and Adam NEEVE of County Somerset, was documented during the reign of Edward III (1327-1377). John NEVEM of Yorkshire was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379. A later instance of the name mentions Richard NEAVES who married Avery Mason, St. Antholin, London in 1662. William NEEVES was buried at St. James's, Clerkenwell, London in the year 1655. The bulk of European surnames in countries such as England and France were formed in the 13th and 14th centuries. The process started earlier and continued in some places into the 19th century, but the norm is that in the 11th century people did not have surnames, whereas by the 15th century they did. It has long been a matter of doubt when the bearing of coats of arms first became hereditary and it was not until the Crusades that Heraldry came into general use. 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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