This medieval surname whilst of Dutch-Flanders ancestry has long been associated with England. It is locational and describes the original landowners of the village of Halle in Brabant. The word "Halle" is of Old Norse origin, and translates as "the (manorial) Hall", or possibly the seat of local government. According to genealogical information in 1339, one Sir Simon Van Halle lent King Edward 111 of England six hundred marks and may have in consequence received his knighthood. The Coat of Arms of Van Halle of Brabant is a black lion passant regardant on a silver field, and this may date from the same period. Other prominent holders of the name include Francis Van Halen, described as a noble of Brabant in 1429. The first recording in England would seem to be that of John Halen, christened at St. Margaret's, Westminster, on August 31st 1552. The Hallen family of Coalbrookdale would seem to trace their ancestry from Charles Van Halen, Dean of the Guild of Weavers of Malines, who died in circa 1584, whilst Cornelius Van Halen was recorded at St. Olave's, Southwark, London, in 1618. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Jean de Mirabelle dit Van Halen, which was dated May 29th 1312, marriage to "La Dame de Malines", at Malines, Belgium, during the reign of King Philip 1V of France, 1285 - 1314. 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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