This surnames was of the baptismal group of surnames meaning 'the son of Eggar'. 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 11 (the Unready). William Edger of County Somerset was recorded during the reign of Edward 111 (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. 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. During the Middle Ages, when people were unable to read or write signs were needed for all visual identification. For several centuries city streets in Britain were filled with signs of all kinds, public houses, tradesmen and even private householders found them necessary. This was an age when there were no numbered houses, and an address was a descriptive phrase that made use of a convenient landmark. At this time, coat of arms came into being, for the practical reason that men went into battle heavily armed and were difficult to recognise. It became the custom for them to adorn their helmets with distinctive crests, and to paint their shields with animals and the like. Coats of arms accompanied the development of surnames, becoming hereditary in the same way.