This unusual name is a job or occupation descriptive metonymic and derives from the Olde French 'Herberge' meaning a hostel or inn - i.e. an Inn Keeper. The word was introduced after the Norman Invasion of 1066 and the modern spellings include, Herbage, Harbach, Harbage, and Harbidge, although the strict origin and source of the early recordings is 'Herbergeor' (now Harbisher). The name development includes, Thomas le Harbergur (1198 Sussex), William Herbefour (1298 Derbyshire) and William Herbyiour (1343 Derbyshire). The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Edric le Herbergeor. which was dated 1184 The Pipe Rolls of Worcester. during the reign of King Henry II 'The Deceiver of the Irish' 1154-1189. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

© Copyright: Name Origin Research 1980 - 2024