The surname of AUTIER was a French personal name 'the son of Edgar'. The name is found in medieval times in many various forms. After the crusades in Europe in the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries a need was felt for an additional name. This was recognized by those of noble birth, as it added prestige and practical advantage to their status. This name was derived from the Old English word Eadgar, meaning prosperity guard. EDGAR (944-74) was the king of the English. He was the younger son of King Edmund of Wessex. He was formally crowned and received the submission of all the kings in England, who rowed him ceremonially on the river Dee. His reign was one of secure peace and prosperity, and he is renowned for his part in reviving the English church, his son was Aethelred II (the Unready). The earliest French hereditary surnames are found in the 12th century, at more or less the same time as they arose in England, but they are by no means common before the 13th century, and it was not until the 15th century that they stabilized to any great extent; before then a surname might be handed down for two or three generations, but then abandoned in favour of another. In the south, many French surnames have come in from Italy over the centuries, and in Northern France, Germanic influence can often be detected. The name has many variant spellings which include Odier, Audier, Authiers, Augier, Ougier and Oge. Early records of the name in England include William Edger of County Somerset who was recorded during the reign of Edward III (1327-1377) and Robert atte Eggar of Yorkshire was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379. The name was taken early to Scotland by settlers, and Richard Edgar who was sheriff of Dumfries in the year 1329, appears to be the first of the name on record there. Ricardus Edger witnessed a royal charter of the lands of Dalmakeran in 1336. The associated coat of arms is recorded in Rietstaps Armorial General. Registered in Limousin, France. 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.