The surname of ATTKINS was a baptismal name 'the son of Anthony', an ancient and still popular personal name. Early records of the name mention Adekin filius Turst, 1191 County Norfolk. John Adekyn, 1296 Cumberland. Willelmus Adkynson of Yorkshire, was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of the year 1379. Later instances of the name include a certain William Deevy and Elizabeth Adkins who were married at St. Dionis Backchurch, London in the year 1680. Elizabeth, daughter of John Adkinson was baptised at St. James's, Clerkenwell, London in 1709. George Handaye married Mary Adkinsson at St. Michael, Cornhill, London in the year 1718. A notable member of the name was James Richard Atkin, Lord of Aberdovey (1867-1944) was the English judge, born in Brisbane, Australia. He was educated at Christ College, Brecon and Magdalen College, Oxford, he established himself slowly by specializing in commercial cases. As a judge (1913) he was firm but patient, and highly regarded, and in the Court of Appeal, and the House of Lords, he was recognized as distinguished, delivering notable opinions in many leading cases. He also made important contributions to legal education. When the coast of England was invaded by William The Conqueror in the year 1066, the Normans brought with them a store of French personal names, which soon, more or less, entirely replaced the traditional more varied Old English personal names, at least among the upper and middle classes. A century of so later, given names of the principal saints of the Christian church began to be used. It is from these two types of given name that the majority of the English patronymic surnames are derived and used to this day. The associated arms are recorded in Sir Bernard Burkes General Armory. Ulster King of Arms in 1884. Registered at Staffordshire and London to Henry Atkins of London M.D.