Coat of Arms & Family Crests Store
  Brigman Coat of Arms / Brigman Family CrestThe surname BRIGMAN was both a locational and an occupational name 'the bridgeman, one who resided at the bridge and took toll'. The small villages of Europe, or royal and noble households, even large religious dwellings and monastries, gave rise to many family names, which reflected the occupation or profession of the original bearer of the name. Following the Crusades in Europe in the 11th 12th and 13th centuries a need was felt for an additional name. This was recognized by those of gentle birth, who realised that it added prestige and practical advantage to their status. Since the dawn of civilisation the need to communicate has been a prime drive of all higher mankind. The more organised the social structure became, the more urgent the need to name places, objects and situations essential to the survival and existence of the social unit. From this common stem arose the requirements to identify families, tribes and individual members evolving into a pattern in evidence today. In the formation of this history, common usage of customs, trades, locations, patronymic and generic terms were often adopted as surnames. The demands of bureaucracy formally introduced by feudal lords in the 11th century, to define the boundaries and families within their fiefdoms, crystallized the need for personal identification and accountability, and surnames became in general use from this time onwards. 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. Sometimes simply a resident by a bridge. Early records of the name mention Johannes Brigeman, listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379. John Bridgeman of County Gloucestershire, registered at Oxford University in 1582. James Bridgeman married Hannah Treader at St. George's, Hanover Square, London in 1796. The name is also spelt Bridgman. |
Orders over $90 qualify for Free Shipping within the U.S. |
