This surname of AUTENRIETH was of French, German and English origin, from the Old French given name AUSTIN, the vernacular form of the Latin Augustinus. This was an extremely common given name in every part of Western Europe during the Middle Ages, owing its popularity chiefly to St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430) whose influence on Christianity is generally considered to be second only to that of St. Paul. Various religious orders came to be formed following rules named in his honour, including the 'Austen canons' established in the 11th century, and the 'Austin friars' a mendicant order dating from the 13th century. The popularity of the name was further increased in England by the fact that it was borne by St. Augustine of Canterbury (died 605) an Italian Benedictine monk known as the 'Apostle of the English' who brought Christianity to England in 597 and founded the see of Canterbury. The name has numerous variant spellings which include Austin, Austen, Auston, Gustin, Aoustin and Outin. Early records of the name mention Astin de Bennington of the County of Lincoln in 1273. Henry Austin of the County of Worcestershire in 1272. Edith Austines was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379. The name was made common by the Austin Friars, or Black Canons, as they were called from their black cloaks, who were established during the 12th Century in England. Originally the coat of arms identified the wearer, either in battle or in tournaments. Completely covered in body and facial armour the knight could be spotted and known by the insignia painted on his shield, and embroidered on his surcoat, the draped garment which enveloped him. Between the 11th and 15th centuries it became customary for surnames to be assumed in Europe, but were not commonplace in England or Scotland before the Norman Conquest of 1066. They are to be found in the Domesday Book of 1086. Those of gentler blood assumed surnames at this time, but it was not until the reign of Edward II (1307-1327) that second names became general practice for all people. 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.