Goldring - Name

This interesting medieval name has at least two possible origins. The first is a nickname of both English and German origins for a person of wealth, one who wore gold jewellery and ornaments. The surname from this source is first recorded in the early 13th Century and was specifically a name found in London and the Home counties region. However, the second origin source is Scottish locational and derives from an area known as the fifty shilling lands of Goldring in the parish of Kylesteward. The term "fifty shilling" refers to the value and was, therefore a substantial estate, although way "Goldring" as a place name should appear in Scotland is not clear. Thomas Goldring held lands at Prestwich in 1511 whilst Harry Goldringe married Ann Hussey at All Hallows church, London Wall on September 21st 1578. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Thomas Goldring, which was dated 1230, The Pipe Rolls of property holders in Hertfordshire, during the reign of King Henry 111, "The Frenchman", 1216 - 1272. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.