This surname of OAKLAND is an English topographic name for someone who lived on a patch of land marked by its oak trees. The name was derived from the Middle English word OKE + LAND. There is a place of the name in the United States, in California, on San Francisco Bay, and connected to San Francisco by Oakland Bay Bridge. The name is also spelt OAK, OAKES, OCKLAND, OCKES and OKLAND. Local surnames, by far the largest group, derived from a place name where the man held land or from the place from which he had come, or where he actually lived. These local surnames were originally preceded by a preposition such as "de", "atte", "by" or "in". The names may derive from a manor held, from working in a religious dwelling or from literally living by a wood or marsh or by a stream. In some cases the surname may be a habitation name from minor places named with this word, such as Oake in County Somerset. It is also possible that it was also used as a nickname for someone 'as strong as an oak'. Following the Crusades in Europe a need was felt for a family name. This was recognized by those of noble blood, who realised the prestige and practical advantage it would add to their status. Early records of the name mention Adam at YE OCK, 1273 County Salop. Henricus atte Ok, was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379. William George OAKES was baptised at St. Dionis Backchurch, London in 1604. Arthur Ayres married Mary OAKE at St. George's Chapel, Mayfair, London in 1754. The acquisition of surnames in Europe has been affected by many factors, including social class and social structure. In the Middle Ages heraldry came into use as a practical matter. It originated in the devices used to distinguish the armoured warriors in tournament and war, and was also placed on seals as marks of identity. As far as records show, true heraldry began in the middle of the 12th century, and appeared almost simultaneously in several countries of Western Europe. The arms depicted here have been quartered with OAK and LAND. |
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