This surname of ARENAS was a Spanish habitation name from any of various places, for example in the province of Burgos and Sarragossa. The placename may be from the Latin ARANDA (arable land from the gerundice of ARARE to plough) or from the Celtic elements 'are-randa' meaning the dweller next to the frontier or one who dwelt near a valley. 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 ARANA and ARANDA. A notable member of the name was Pedro Pablo Abarca y Bolea, Count of ARANDA (l7l8-l799). He was a Spanish statesman and General born in Sietano. He was made Ambassador to Poland in l760 but in l766 was recalled to Madrid and made Prime Minister, with the task of restoring order after risings. He managed to expel the Jesuits, alleged perpetrators of the disorders, from Spain in l767, but in l773 fell from power and was sent to France as Ambassador. Returning in l787, he became Prime Minister again in l792 and eventually died in Aragon in enforced retirement. In the Middle Ages heraldry came into use as a practical matter. It originated in the devices used to distinguish the armoured warriors in tournament and war, and was also placed on seals as marks of identity. As far as records show, true heraldry began in the middle of the 12th century, and appeared almost simultaneously in several countries of Western Europe. The lion depicted in the arms is the noblest of all wild beasts which is made to be the emblem of strength and valour, and is on that account the most frequently borne in Coat-Armour.