Funny, I was under the impression that it was King William I, aka "The Conquerer" who began the use of surnames. I've heard that when William was crowned King on 25 Dec 1066, he decreed that all people of royality must have a surname and that most took their name from where they were from, i.e. The Davenport's of Davenport. I'd be interested in hearing more on this subject. Coincidentally, Davenport's came to England from Normandy. Gary, you said you'd have to look this up...could you? I'd be very interested in knowing the whole story.....thanks, Teri Davenport Family: http://www.DavenportFamily.1colony.com