| ![Show Contents]() Billon History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
England Early Origins of the Billon familyThe surname Billon was first found in Yorkshire in the West Riding where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor of Bilham. After the Battle of Hastings in 1066, William, Duke of Normandy, having prevailed over King Harold, granted most of Britain to his many victorious Barons. It was not uncommon to find a Baron, or a Bishop, with 60 or more Lordships scattered throughout the country. These he gave to his sons, nephews and other junior lines of his family and they became known as under-tenants. They adopted the Norman system of surnames which identified the under-tenant with his holdings so as to distinguish him from the senior stem of the family. After many rebellious wars between his Barons, Duke William, commissioned a census of all England to determine in 1086, settling once and for all, who held which land. He called the census the Domesday Book, 1 indicating that those holders registered would hold the land until the end of time. Hence, conjecturally, the surname is descended from the tenant of the lands of Bilham, held by a steward of the Count of Mortain, half brother of Duke William of Normandy who was recorded in the Domesday Book census of 1086. Early History of the Billon familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Billon research. Another 82 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Billon History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Billon Spelling VariationsSpelling variations in names were a common occurrence in the eras before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate regularly changed the spellings of their names as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Billon have been found, including Bilham, Billem, Billam, Billame, Billom and others. Early Notables of the Billon familyMore information is included under the topic Early Billon Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Billon RankingIn France, the name Billon is the 923rd most popular surname with an estimated 5,615 people with that name. 2
| Billon migration to the United States | + |
For many English families, the social climate in England was oppressive and lacked opportunity for change. For such families, the shores of Ireland, Australia, and the New World beckoned. They left their homeland at great expense in ships that were overcrowded and full of disease. Many arrived after the long voyage sick, starving, and without a penny. But even those were greeted with greater opportunity than they could have experienced back home. Numerous English settlers who arrived in the United States and Canada at this time went on to make important contributions to the developing cultures of those countries. Many of those families went on to make significant contributions to the rapidly developing colonies in which they settled. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name Billon were among those contributors:
Billon Settlers in United States in the 20th Century- Herve Billon, aged 49, who immigrated to the United States from Houlgate, in 1903
- Auguste Billon, aged 32, who settled in America from Grenoble, in 1904
| Contemporary Notables of the name Billon (post 1700) | + |
- René Billon (1931-2020), French footballer who played for Stade Rennais F.C. as a defender
The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.
Motto: Azincourt
- Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
- http://www.journaldesfemmes.com/nom-de-famille/nom/
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