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Codman Family Crest / Codman Coat of ArmsThis surname CODMAN was a baptismal name 'the son of Cuthbert' from the nickname Codde or an occupational name from a maker of purses or bags, from the Old English 'cod' meaning bag. 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. Surnames having a derivation from nicknames form the broadest and most miscellaneous class of surnames, encompassing many different types of origin. The most typical classes refer adjectivally to the general physical aspect of the person concerned, or to his character. Many nicknames refer to a man's size or height, while others make reference to a favoured article of clothing or style of dress. Many surnames derived from the names of animals and birds. In the Middle Ages ideas were held about the characters of other living creatures, based on observation, and these associations were reflected and reinforced by large bodies of folk tales featuring animals behaving as humans. Early records of the name mention Henry Cod, 1273, County Oxford. Ricardus Code of Yorkshire, was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379. Thomas Code of Norwich was documented in the year 1588, and David Codd and Margaret Asheley were married in London in 1586. Between the 11th and 15th centuries it became customary for surnames to be assumed in Europe, but they were not commonplace in England or Scotland before the Norman Conquest of 1066. Those of gentler blood assumed surnames at this time, but it was not until the reign of Edward III (1327-1377) that it became common practice for all people. James Benson and Eleanor Codd were married at St. George's, Hanover Square, London in the year 1765. The associated arms are recorded in Sir Bernard Burkes General Armory. Ulster King of Arms in 1884. |
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