This surname ANZALONE was an old Norman personal name composed of the elements OS (God) and WEALD (power). The name was introduced to Germany from England as a result of the fame of St. Oswald a seventh century King of Northumberland whose deeds were reported by Celtic missionaries to South Germany. The name was also borne by a tenth century English saint of Danish parentage who was important as a monastic reformer. The name has travelled widely throughout Europe and into the United States, Australia, and Canada and its variants include OSTWALD, OSCHWALD, ANSAUD, ANSAULT, ANSALDI, ANSALDO, ANZALDI, ANZALDO, OSCH, and OSCHLIN. The first hereditary surnames on German soil are found in the second half of the 12th century, slightly later than in England and France. However, it was not until the 16th century that they became stabilized. The practice of adopting hereditary surnames began in the southern areas of Germany, and gradually spread northwards during the Middle Ages. The Dutch language is most closely related to Low German, and its surnames have been influenced both by German and French naming practices. The preposition 'van' is found especially with habitation names, and the 'de' mainly with nicknames. 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.