The Medieval Surname! In early 14th Century England, would a peasant have a surname? If so, would he change his surname if his status in society changed (i.e. he became a Trader or a Blacksmith)? Lastly, if he then married, would the Medieval woman change her surname to his?

by goldyd83
twentyitalians

/u/ForgedIronMadeIt partially answered this question when speaking about the prevalence of the Smith surname

/u/yodatsracist also has a post on when surnames came into use and the tradition of wives taking their husbands surname.