This interesting surname, of Anglo-Saxon origin, originated as a nickname for someone who was free with his affections, or generous with his love. The name is composed of the Olde English pre 7th Century elements "spendun" meaning to spend, employ lavishly or squander, plus "lufu", love. The surname is first recorded in the early half of the 13th Century (see below), and other early recordings include: Robert Spendelove, who appeared in the Assize Court Rolls of Northumberland in 1259, and Henry Spendelowe, who was noted in the 1309 Subsidy Rolls of Bedfordshire. In the modern idiom, the surname has four spelling variations, Spendlow, Spenlow, Spendlove and Spindelow. Recordings of the surname from London Church Registers include: the marriage of Edward Spendlove and Elizabeth Pace on April 11th 1583, and the christening of Joseph, son of William Spendlove, on June 29th 1602, at St. James' Clerkenwell. A Coat of Arms granted to the Spendlove family depicts a black lion rampant between three black billets on a gold shield. The Lion in Heraldry is the emblem of strength, courage and generosity, black denotes constancy, and gold signifies generosity and elevation of the mind. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Ralph Spendeluue, which was dated 1219, witness in the "Assize Court Rolls of Lincolnshire", 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.

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