This interesting and unusual name, with variant spelling Feakins, is a diminutive of "Fitch", itself deriving from the Old French word "fiche", an Iron point, probably a pointed weapon like a spear or lance. Thus the name may be a metonymic occupational name for a person who used an Iron pointed implement or it may have denoted a spearman or a knight famous for his exploits with the lance. The Old English byname "Fitchet" is found as early as the 12th Century. Bearers of this name are probably ultimately all of one stock, most being descended from Richard Fitch (d. 1494) of Steeple Bumpstead in Essex. Susan Fickins married Robert Christy at St. Gregory by St. Paul, Westminster London on May 5th 1635, while Daniel, son of William and Elizabeth Phikins was christened at St. Margarets, Westminster on January 6th 1650. On May 21st 1769, at St. Peter and St. Paul, Milton by Gravesend, Kent Ann, daughter of Richard and Jane Fickins was christened, while Maria, daughter of Geoffard and Maria Ficken was christened on June 16th 1771. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Richard Ficun, Fycun, which was dated 1219, in the Assize Rolls of Yorkshire, during the reign of King John known as "Lackland", 1199 - 1216. 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.