A is for …

Abelard and Heloise

Here is the first in an occasional series on the origins for surnames in Andrew’s Kindred.
From: Reany, P H, (ed. Wilson, R M), 1997, Oxford Dictionary of English Surnames, 3rd ed., OUP, Oxford, unless otherwise stated.

Ablard
This name is not covered by Reany. It may be from Abelard. Pierre Abélard, (1079-1142) was a French theologian and philosopher. His famous love affair is presented in Abelard and Heloise.

Adey
Thomas Ady 1327 Subsidy Roll Worcestershire; William Adee 1524 Subsidy Roll Suffolk. A pet-form of Ade (Adam).

Arblaster
Old French arbelastier, a soldier armed with a crossbowman. Could also be a crossbow maker.

Armstead
Dweller by or at the hermitage. Old French, ermite and Old English stede, place.

Astbury
From Astbury, Cheshire.

Atkins
From Adkins. Various, including John Adekeynes 1332 Subsidy Roll Warwickshire; William Atkyn 1441 Sheffield Manorial Records. Ade-kin a pet from of Adam. [Adam’s kin?]

Atkinson
Son of Atkin.

Attwood
Dweller by the wood.