The surname of ABTS was a baptismal name 'the son of Abraham', a favourite font name during the 13th Century. The name was also an official name 'the abbot' the holder of such an office. Occupational surnames originally denoted the actual occupation followed by the individual. At what period they became hereditary is a difficult problem. Many of the occupation names were descriptive and could be varied. In the Middle Ages, at least among the Christian population, people did not usually pursue specialized occupations exclusively to the extent that we do today, and they would, in fact, turn their hand to any form of work that needed to be done, particularly in a large house or mansion, or on farms and smallholdings. In early documents, surnames often refer to the actual holder of an office, whether the church or state. The name is also spelt ABBOD, ABBITT, ABOT, ABBOT, ABBET, ABBT and MacNAB. Early records of the name mention Alfwoldus Abot, 1117, County Norfolk. Walter Abbott was recorded in the year 1200, in the City of London. Henry Abbod, of the County of Oxford was documented in the year 1273. Marageta Abbot of Yorkshire was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379. Edward Sanders and Ann Abbitt were married at St. Antholin, London in 1720. The name was derived from the Old English ABBOD - abbot. At first the coat of arms was a practical matter, which served a function on the battlefield and in tournaments. With his helmet covering his face, and armour encasing the knight from head to foot, the only means of identification for his followers, was the insignia painted on his shield and embroidered on his surcoat, the flowing and draped garment worn over the armour. The bulk of European surnames in countries such as England and France were formed in the 13th and 14th centuries. The process started earlier and continued in some places into the 19th century, but the norm is that in the 11th century people did not have surnames, whereas by the 15th century they did. The name was in Scotland at an early date and Alexander Abbot is on record as a witness in Glasgow, circa 1290. In the year 1306, Sir John Abbott, dean of Fife, was ordered by the bishop to sequestrate the fruits of the provostry of Aberdeen.