This surname of ADELSON is a widespread English, German, French Catalan, Italian, Spanish and Hungarian which was originally derived from a Germanic personal name ALBRECHET, which was composed of the elements ADAL (noble) and BERHT (bright and famous). This was one of the most common Germanic given names, and was borne by various medieval princes, military leaders and great churchmen, notably St. Albert of Prague (Czech name Vojtech, Latin name Adalbertus), a Bohemian prince who died a martyr in 997 attempting to convert the Prussians to Christianity; St Albert the Great (?1193-1280) Aristotelian theologian and tutor of Thomas Aquinas; and Albert the Bear (1100-70) Margrave of Brandenburg. The name is also spelt ADEL, ADDE, ADON, ADDE, ADEMA, ADELUNG, ADELBAUM, ADELMAN, ADDLEMANN and ADELSBURG. A minor notable of the name is Fred Lee ADELSON, born on the 18th July, 1928. As a dentist, his appointments included President of Sherman Oaks Chamber of Commerce in 1963, Staff member of the University of California School of Dentistry, and he was the President of the Natural Science Council at San Diego State College. He has published numerous miscellaneous articles. 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.