The surname of ANNETTS was a baptismal name 'the son of Anne'. A popular font name during the 13th century. Following the crusades in Europe in the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries, a need was felt for a family name to replace the one given at birth, or in addition to it. This was recognized by those of noble birth, and particularly by those who went on the Crusades, as it added prestige and practical advantage to their status. 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. Early records of the name mention Anota Canun County Oxford in 1273. Johannes Anot was of Yorkshire, was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379 and Thomas Anett appears in County Lancashire in the year 1400. John Annottyson, was the rector of Edgefield, County Norfolk, in 1458. Henry Annettes married Mary Bugg at St. George's, Hanover Square, London in 1781. Many factors contributed to the establishment of a surname system. For generations after the Norman Conquest of 1066 a very few dynasts and magnates passed on hereditary surnames, but the main of the population, with a wide choice of first-names out of Celtic, Old English, Norman and Latin, avoided ambiguity without the need for a second name. As society became more stabilized, there was property to leave in wills, the towns and villages grew and the labels that had served to distinguish a handful of folk in a friendly village were not adequate for a teeming slum where perhaps most of the householders were engaged in the same monotonous trade, so not even their occupations could distinguish them, and some first names were gaining a tiresome popularity, especially Thomas after 1170. The hereditary principle in surnames gained currency first in the South, and the poorer folk were slower to apply it. By the 14th century however, most of the population had acquired a second name This name was borne by an early Christian saint, a twelve year old Roman girl who was martyred for her Christoan belief in the time of Diocletoan (245-313). The associated arms are recorded in Sir Bernard Burkes General Armory. Ulster King of Arms in 1884.