This surname of ARAGON was a Spanish ethnic name from ARAGON in North eastern Spain, which was an independent kingdom from about 1035 to the 14th century. There are various speculations about the etymology of the name, but the true origin is probably irrecoverable. The royal house of ARAGON was descended from Ramiro I of Aragon (reigned from 1035 until 1063), the illegitimate son of Sancho III of Navarre. In the 8th century, Spain fell under the control of the Moors, and this influence, which lasted into the 12th century, has also left its mark on Hispanic surnames. A few names are based directly on Arabic personal names. The majority of Spanish occupational and nickname surnames, however, are based on ordinary Spanish derivatives. The name is also spelt ARAGONES, ARAGONESES, ARAGAO, ARRAGON, DARAGONA, RAGONESE and ARAGOU. A notable member of the name was Louis ARAGON (1897-1983) the French writer and political activist, born in Paris. One of the most brilliant of the Surrealist group, he co-founded the journal 'Litterateure' in 1919. He published two volumnes of poetry in 1920 and 1925. After a visit to the Soviet Union in 1930 he became a convert to communism. The origin of badges and emblems, are traced to the earliest times, although, Heraldry, in fact, cannot be traced later than the 12th century, or at furthest the 11th century. At first armorial bearings were probably like surnames and assumed by each warrior at his free will and pleasure, his object being to distinguish himself from others. It has long been a matter of doubt when bearing Coats of Arms first became hereditary. It is known that in the reign of Henry V (1413-1422), a proclamation was issued, prohibiting the use of heraldic ensigns to all who could not show an original and valid right, except those 'who had borne arms at Agincourt'. The College of Arms (founded in 1483) is the Royal corporation of heralds who record proved pedigrees and grant armorial bearings. The bulk of European surnames in countries such as England and France were formed in the 13th and 14th centuries. The process started earlier and continued in some places into the 19th century, but the norm is that in the 11th century people did not have surnames, whereas by the 15th century they did.