The surname of ALDERDICE is of the locational group of surnames 'one who came from Allardyce' an estate in the parish of County Kincardine. The name is also spelt ALLERDASHE, ALLDERDICE, ALLIRDAS and ALLLIRDES. Local names usually denoted where a man held his land, and indicated where he actually lived. Almost every city, town or village existing in the Middle Ages has served to name one or more families. Where a man lived was his means of identification. When a man left his birthplace or village where he had been known, and went elsewhere, people would likely refer to him by the name of his former residence or birthplace, or by the name of the land which he owned. Early records of the name mention a certain Alexander de Allyrdas, who witnessed a charter of the lands of Glack in 1294 and appears to be the first of the name on record. Alisaundre de Allerdashe of Kincardyne was documented in 1296. Thomas de Allirdas had an annual pension of 20 shillings from the lands of Lytilbarres in 1370. Sir James Allirdes was the clerk of the king's treasury and the archdeacon of Murray in 1478. James Alirdes was the prebendary of Torbolton in the year 1491. 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. When the coast of England was invaded by William The Conqueror in the year 1066, the Normans brought with them a store of French personal names, which soon, more or less, entirely replaced the traditional more varied Old English personal names, at least among the upper and middle classes. A century of so later, given names of the principal saints of the Christian church began to be used. It is from these two types of given name that the majority of the English patronymic surnames are derived and used to this day.