Behling

This name is of German locational origin, from the place called Behlingen, in Germany. Locational surnames were usually given to the local nobility and landowners and especially to those former inhabitants of a place who moved to another area and were thereafter distinguished by the addition of, for instance, "Von Behling(en)". The family name of "Behling" is recorded heraldically in Rietstap's Armorial General as "Behling of Hanover", the arms being two Groffons rampant, flanking an apple tree, on pale, argent and azure", Groffons symbolise "valour, vigilance and perseverance". The name appears in London in the early 19th Century as in the record of the christening of Frederick Behling on the 5th May 1816 at St. James' Garlickwithe, London. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Wilhelm von Behling, which was dated circa 1680, Hanover, Germany, during the reign of King Leopold I, "Holy Roman Emperor", 1658 - 1705. 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.