The surname of ALLAM was a baptismal name 'the son of Alemaund'. Following the crusades in Europe in the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries, a need was felt for a family name to replace the one given at birth, or in addition to it. This was recognized by those of noble birth, and particularly by those who went on the Crusades, as it added prestige and practical advantage to their status. Early records of the name mention John Allaman, 1216 County Yorkshire. Willemus Allamus was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379. Libertus Allam was rector of North Repps, County Norfolk in the year 1583. Oliver Allam of County Oxford, registered at Oxford University in the year 1578, and Roger Allmonde was enroled there in the year 1592. The name is also spelt Allman, Almond and Allamd. Between the 11th and 15th centuries it became customary for surnames to be assumed in Europe, but they 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 (1327-1377) that it became common practice for all people. When the coast of England was invaded by William The Conqueror in the year 1066, the Normans brought with them a store of French personal names, which soon, more or less, entirely replaced the traditional more varied Old English personal names, at least among the upper and middle classes. A century of so later, given names of the principal saints of the Christian church began to be used. It is from these two types of given name that the majority of the English patronymic surnames are derived and used to this day.