In the Game of Thrones TV series (and book) bastards from different regions all share a common surname to identify them, Snow or Flowers for example. Does this system have any evidence in history or was it invented by the author?

by [deleted]

Thank you.

Searocksandtrees

Responses covering more regions/cultures of Medieval Europe are welcome; meanwhile you may be interested in these

sp668

In Denmark-Norway there was a tradition in the 1500s-1600s to name the illegitimate sons and daughters of the king Gyldenløve (literal translation to english would be "Golden Lion".

Christian IV, Frederik III and Christian V of Denmark all had several children by various mistresses who all carried the surname Gyldenløve.

So at least for Danish royalty there at one time was a "system" of naming bastards if you will.

vannucker

There's a sports reporter called Dan LeBatard and I've always wondered if his ancestor was a Bastard. Does anyone know anything about this name?