This interesting surname with variant spellings, Pavy, Pavie and Pavis, has two possible origins, the first of which derives from the medieval female given name "Pavia", of uncertain origin. It may possibly be from the Old French "Pavie" meaning "peach". Secondly, it may be locational from the Italian town of Pavia in Lombardy, Northern Italy, or a name for a woman from this town. The first recording of the surname was in the early 13th Century (see below). One Richard Paveye is recorded in the Feet of Fines for Warwickshire, 1251. On May 22nd 1579, George Pavey married Elizabeth Hayle, in London. Nycholas Pavey was christened on March 3rd 1605, at All Hallows, London Wall, London. A Coat of Arms was granted to the family consisting of a silver fesse crenelles between three gold eagles displayed on a black shield. The Crest being a black lion rampant guardant. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Robert Paui, which was dated 1219, witness in the "Assize Rolls of Yorkshire", during the reign of King Henry 111, known as "The Frenchman", 1216 - 1272. 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.