The first of the name in Scotland was Angus, one of the three sons of Eochaidh, who took possession of Isla and Jura circa. 761. Serlo de Anegus witnessed a charter regarding the tithes of Strathylif in 1229. William de Anegus was a Scots prisoner taken at Dunbar Castle in 1297, and Edward de Anegous and Laurence of Angus were prisoners taken in the capture of Stirling Castle in 1305. The associated arms are recorded in Sir Bernard Burkes General Armory. Ulster King of Arms in 1884. The use of fixed surnames or descriptive names appears to have commenced in France about the year 1000, and such names were introduced into Scotland through the Normans a little over one hundred years later, although the custom of using them was by no means common for many years afterwards. During the reign of Malcolm Ceannmor (1057-1093) the latter directed his chief subjects, after the custom of other nations, to adopt surnames from their territorial possessions, and there created 'The first erlis that euir was in Scotland'. 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 draped and flowing garment worn over the armour. Later instances of the name include Michael of Angous, a Scotsman, in 1358 'was foremost at the last capture of the town of Beriwck by the Scots and leapt over the walls the night it was taken'. William de Angus was the abbot of Lindores in 1391, and David Angus witnessed a charter by the Earl of Douglas in 1470. George Fife ANGAS, the father and founder of South Australia, was of Scottish descent. In the Middle Ages heraldry came into use as a practical matter. It originated in the devices used to distinguish the armoured warriors in tournament and war, and was also placed on seals as marks of identity. As far as records show, true heraldry began in the middle of the 12th century, and appeared almost simultaneously in several countries of Western Europe. The lion depicted in the arms is the noblest of all wild beasts which is made to be the emblem of strength and valour, and is on that account the most frequently borne in Coat-Armour.