This Italian surname of ALVINO was originally derived from the Old English personal name ALFWIN, composed of the elements ELF + WINE meaning 'old friend'. The name is also spelt ALWYN, AILWIN, AYLWEN, ALLWYN, EYLWIN, ALVEN and ELVIN. Early records of the name mention Richard Alewyn who was recorded in County Wiltshire in the year 1273 and Reginald Aylweyn was rector of Dickleburgh, County Norfolk, in the year 1394. Surnames as we know them today were first assumed in Europe from the 11th to the 15th Century. The employment in the use of a second name was a custom that was first introduced from the Normans. They themselves had not long before adopted them. It became, in course of time, a mark of gentler blood, and it was deemed a disgrace for gentlemen to have but one single name, as the meaner sort had. 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. A later instance of the name includes William Aylwin and Mary Wright who were married at St. George's, Hanover Square, London in the year 1769. Over the centuries, most people in Europe have accepted their surname as a fact of life, as irrevocable as an act of God. However much the individual may have liked or disliked the surname, they were stuck with it, and people rarely changed them by personal choice. A more common form of variation was in fact involuntary, when an official change was made, in other words, a clerical error. A notable member of the name was William ALWYN (1905-1985) the British composer. He was a professor of composition at the Royal Academy of Music (1926-55). He also wrote film music and composed symphonies and chamber music.