Dimmer

This interesting surname is of Old French origin, introduced into England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The derivation of the name is from the Old French "dix", ten, with "mars", marks, and was a nickname for someone who was good at something, especially sport, and received ten marks as a prize. This is an example of that sizeable group of early European surnames that were gradually created from the habitual use of nicknames; the nicknames were given in the first instance with reference to a variety of characteristics, such as physical attributes or peculiarities, mental and moral characteristics, including supposed resemblance to an animal's or bird's appearance or disposition, or to habits of dress and occupation. The surname is first recorded in the early half of the 13th Century (see below) and can also be found as Dimmer. Recordings of the surname from English Church Registers include; Elizabeth Dismore, who married Bartholomew Mobs on September 9th 1683 at St. James's, Dukes Place, London; John, son of Henry Dismore, who was christened on December 20th 1686 at Malden, Surrey; and Thomas Dismore, who married Elizabeth Loveday on November 24th 1687 at St. James, Dukes Place, London. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Robert Dimars, which was dated 1220, in the "Berkshire Book of Fees", during the reign of King Henry 111, known as "The Frenchman", 1216 - 1272. 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.