This French surname of ALEXIS was ultimately from the Greek name ALEXIOS meaning 'to help, to defend'. The name owed its popularity in the Middle Ages to St. Alexius, a shadowy figure, about whom many legends grew. He appears to have been an historical figure venerated as 'a man of God' who lived in the 4th-5th century in Edessa, which was a centre of early Christianity in Syria. His cult was also popular in the Eastern Church, which accounts for the frequency of the Russian given name ALEKSEI. The earliest French hereditary surnames are found in the 12th century, at more or less the same time as they arose in England, but they are by no means common before the 13th century, and it was not until the 15th century that they stabilized to any great extent; before then a surname might be handed down for two or three generations, but then abandoned in favour of another. In the south, many French surnames have come in from Italy over the centuries, and in Northern France, Germanic influence can often be detected. The origin of badges and emblems, are traced to the earliest times, although, Heraldry, in fact, cannot be traced later than the 12th century, or at furthest the 11th century. At first armorial bearings were probably like surnames and assumed by each warrior at his free will and pleasure, his object being to distinguish himself from others. It has long been a matter of doubt when bearing Coats of Arms first became hereditary. It is known that in the reign of Henry V (1413-1422), a proclamation was issued, prohibiting the use of heraldic ensigns to all who could not show an original and valid right, except those 'who had borne arms at Agincourt'. ALEXIUS I (1048-1118) was the Byzantine emperor and founder of the Comnenian dynasty, born in Constantinople, Nephew of the emperor Isaaz I Commenus, he was commander of the western Byzantine armies when he was brought to the throne by a coup mounted by disaffected elements of the military aristocracy. His reign is well known from the ALEXIAD, the biography written by his daughter Anna Commena.