Curror

This is a rare example of a Scottish surname which is not only French in origin, but is descriptive of an occupation, "Curror" derives from the Old French "coreor" and describes a fast runner, but specifically a messenger or courier. Considering the long relationship between the French and the Scottish monarchies, and the support that the Scots gave to Duke William of Normandy in his successful invasion of England in 1066, it is perhaps surprising that there are not more examples. Either way the name is first recorded in the 13th Century in the early surname period (see below), and other recordings include: Walter le Corour who was appointed ward of Selkirk in the Forest in 1305; whilst William Curour was Assizer of Edinburgh in 1402. William Currour was given "Safe Conduct" into England in 1410, and later in 1649, Thomas Curror (heir of Patrick Currer) was elected Burgess of Dysart. A Coat of Arms was granted to Curror of Logie and Innerlocky; this was silver, a red fesse between two mullets in chief and a hunting horn in base, all black. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Nicol Corour, which was dated 1296, rendered homage to the king at Berwick, during the reign of John Balliol, King of Scotland, 1292 - 1296. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.