Capon

This is a surname of French origins, which has entered England at least twice in its long history. It is probably occupational and derives from the French 'caponier', describing a game dealer or equivalent. Although often regarded as a 'Huguenot' 17th century protestant refugee surname, which is partially correct, it was certainly recorded in England as shown below, at least three hundred years earlier. It was particularly popular in East Anglia, and was clearly an 'introduction' by the Norman invaders in the period after the 1066 Invasion, although given a 'boost' by later imports. Early examples include Ralph Capon of Norfolk in the 1273 Hundred Rolls for that county, and Thomas Capoun in the 1382 London Register of Citizens. The first 'Huguenot' recording would seem to be that of Marguerite Capon, christened at the French Huguenot Church, Threadneedle Street, London, on February 13th 1631, whilst Sarah, the daughter of Thomas Capon, christened at St Pauls, Covent Garden, London, on March 3rd 1680, was probably of 'English' background. The coat of arms has the blazon of a black field, a chevron between three knights spurs, all gold. The crest is a red demi lion. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Simon Capun, which was dated 1227, in the 'Feet of Fines' court of Cambridgeshire, 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.