This Spanish, French and English surname of AMIRAULT was from the medieval nickname or given name AMOR (love), which was popular in Spain, Italy and France, and introduced into England by the Normans. There was a St. AMOR, of obscure history and unknown date, whose relics were preserved and venerated at the village of St. ARMOUR in Burgundy. The Germanic forms owe their origin to an 8th century evangelist who founded the monastery of AMORBACH in Franconia, and a 9th century Belgian saint who was sometimes confused with him. It is also possible that in some cases the surname arose from a nickname for a loveable person or a philanderer, or for someone who had played the part of Love in a pageant or mystery play. The name is also spelt AMORES, AMOUR, AMORE, AMORIELLI, AMORETTI, AMORINI and D'AMORE. Early records of the name mention John atte AMOR, who was recorded in the year 1273 in County Norfolk. Richard AMORE was a priest in County Norwich in the year of 1528. John AMOR and Ann Howard were married at St. George's, Hanover Square, London in 1766. 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. In the Middle Ages the Herald (old French herault) was an officer whose duty it was to proclaim war or peace, carry challenges to battle and messages between sovereigns; nowadays war or peace is still proclaimed by the heralds, but their chief duty as court functionaries is to superintend state ceremonies, such as coronations, installations, and to grant arms. Edward III (1327-1377) appointed two heraldic kings-at-arms for south and north, England in 1340. The English College of Heralds was incorporated by Richard III in 1483-84.