Galpen

The origin of this surname dates back to the Norman Conquest of 1066. It derives from the French "Galopin", a derivation of "Galoper", a nickname term for a messenger or scout, the original "Galopins" being employed in the invading armies. In later medieval times, with the creation of surnames, the term became more general, and was used to describe a horsed courier, one who carried messages. The surname seems to have been predominantly used in the Midlands, the early recordings being from those counties. Examples of the recordings through the ages include: Will Galpyn of Staffordshire in 1279; Nicholas Galopin of Oxford in 1273; and Richard Galopyn of Somerset (1327). Sara Galopin, the daughter of Pierre Galopin, was christened on January 27th 1633, at the French Church, Threadneedle Street, London; Pierre was a Huguenot refugee. In Yorkshire the spelling form was Galpine; William Galpine being recorded at Selby, on September 15th 1836, in the reign of King William 1V (1830 - 1837). The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of William Galopin, which was dated 1195, in the "Pipe Rolls of Warwickshire", during the reign of King Richard 1, known as "The Lionheart", 1189 - 1199. 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.