This interesting and unusual name first appears as Fauconberg(e), derived from the Olde French and translating as 'The Hill of the Hawk'. One Walter Fauconberge "sealed the Barons' letter to the Pope in 1301". The name was introduced into England by the followers of William the Conqueror and almost simultaneously, the spelling was transposed to Fauconbridge and later to Faulconbridge. The Faulconbridge Coat of Arms has a Silver field with a Blue Lion, rampant with Red claws. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Eustace Fauconbridge - Bishop of London (1221 - 1228). which was dated Died in 1228. during the reign of Henry III, Nickname, The Frenchname, 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.