This interesting and unusual name is of Norweigian origin and is either locational from a place so called in Norway, or topographical for a dweller by a beach where it is difficult to land ships, which is the meaning of the word Folland. It is probable that this surname was introduced into England in the 8th or 9th Century with the Viking raids. Topographical names are some of the earliest named to be created, as topographical features, whether natural or manmade, provided obvious and convenient means of identification. Among the early recordings in London are the marriages of David Folland and Mary Johnson on April 14th 1630 at St. Gregory by St. Paul, and Margaret Folland and Henry Fox on February 10th 1634 at St. Giles, Cripplegate. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Humphrey Fowland, which was dated September 21st 1586, St. Katherine by the Tower, London, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth 1, "Good Queen Bess", 1558 - 1603. 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.