Dachs

Recorded in a number of spelling forms including Dach, Dachs, Taks (German), Das (Dutch and Flemish) and Dack, Dax, and Tax, an Anglo-Saxon form of the original pre 7th century German. However spelt this is a surname of early medieval origins, and almost certainly derives from the word 'dachs' meaning a badger. As such it formerly described somebody known for their nocturnal habits (!), or one who had the unusual physical feature of a streak of white or fair hair among the black. In England the surname is particularly associated with East Anglia, which also happens to be the coastline closest to Germany. What is certain is that this is one of the earliest surnames to be recorded particularly in Germany, Ulrich Dach being given as being a citizen of Pfullendorf in the year 1220. In England Alexander Dacke was recorded in the Hundred Rolls of Norfolk for the year 1273, and Simon Dack was the rector of Brampton in Norfolk in 1404. Some fifteen percent of all surnames are definately from nicknames, and many researchers believe that the percentage is much higher. The medieval period which saw the formation and implementation of most surnames, was also a period of very robust attitudes, the giving of nicknames being almost a national sport. Many nicknames were very crude, and these have died out, those remaining being clearly regarded as complimentary.