This surname of ADCOTS was a baptismal name 'the son of Adam' an ancient and popular personal name. During the middle ages, a need was felt for an additional name, and the father or mother's name was used as a second name, as it added prestige and practical advantage to the status of the family. Early records of the name mention (ADECOCK) without surname who was recorded in 1198, County Lancashire. Richard Hadecock appears in County Yorkshire in 1200. Adecok Kay, 1246, County Lancashire. Hammes, son of Adecock, held 29 acres of land in Yorkshire in the year 1311. Robertus Adcock of Yorkshire was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379. Most of the European surnames in countries such as England, Scotland and France were formed in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. The process had started somewhat earlier and had continued in some places into the 19th century, but the norm is that in the tenth and eleventh centuries people did not have surnames, whereas by the fifteenth century most of the population had acquired a second name. Later instances of the name include Thomas Smith who married Katurne Adcock at St. Antholin, London in the year of 1539. Thomas, son of Thomas Adcocke was baptised at St. James,s Clerkenwell, London in the year 1673. The associated arms are recorded in Sir Bernard Burkes General Armory. Ulster King of Arms in 1884. 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. Most of the European surnames in countries such as England, Scotland and France were formed in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. The process had started somewhat earlier and had continued in some places into the 19th century, but the norm is that in the tenth and eleventh centuries people did not have surnames, whereas by the fifteenth century most of the population had acquired a second name.