This famous Scottish locational name came originally from the lands of Affleck in Angus, or the barony of Auchinlek in Ayrshire, the name appears to have been interchangeable in the 13th Century. Auchinleck or Affleck derives from the Gaelic elements 'achadh' meaning field and 'na leac' flat stone hence the field of the flat stones i.e. tombstones. Patrick de Aghleke of Lancashire, who rendered homage in 1296 appeared again as Patrick de Achenleck, at an inquest at Lanark in 1303, and is probably the Patrick de Auuynlec who witnessed resignation of Lands at Grenryg circa 1311 John de Agheleck is recorded as being the first of the Afflecks to be hereditary Armour bearers to the Earls of Crawford, a position of great honour. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of John Athlyk, which was dated 1499, Burgess of Inverness, during the reign of King James IV of Scotland, 1488 - 1573. 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.