The surname of VAGG is of two fold origin. It was derived from the Old English word 'facg' a baptismal name 'the son of Fag'. It was also a name given to a baker who sold clean bread, recorded in the sense of a flat loaf. Following the crusades in Europe in the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries, a need was felt for a family name to replace the one given at birth, or in addition to it. This was recognized by those of noble birth, and particularly by those who went on the Crusades, as it added prestige and practical advantage to their status. At first the coat of arms was a practical matter which served a function of 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. Early records of the name mention Robert Fag, County Somerset, 1227 and Edward Fagge of County Somerset, was documented during the reign of Edward III (1327-1377). Johanna Fag of Yorkshire was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379. The name is also spelt Fagge. The associated arms are recorded in Sir Bernard Burkes General Armory. Ulster King of Arms in 1884. The rise of surnames, according to the accepted theory, was due to the Norman Conquest of 1066 when Old English personal-names were rapidly superseded by the new christian names introduced by the Normans. Of these, only a few were really popular and in the 12th century this scarcity of christian names led to the increasing use of surnames to distinguish the numerous individuals of the same name. Some Normans had hereditary surnames before they came to England, but there is evidence that surnames would have developed in England even had there been no Norman Conquest. The development of the feudal system made it essential that the king should know exactly what service each person owed. Payments to and by the exchequer required that debtors and creditors should be particularized, and it became official that each individual acquired exact identification. |
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