ACADEMY OF SAINT GABRIEL REPORT 1535 http://www.s-gabriel.org/1535 ************************************ From: "Brian M. Scott" 21 May 1999 Greetings from the Academy of Saint Gabriel! You asked for our opinion of as a woman's name in early 16th century England. You also asked about arms with a black rose on a silver background. The names and were both used in the early 16th century.[1] Either one would be a fine name for an early 16th century Englishwoman. The use of two given names, one as first name and one as middle name, was exceedingly rare in England during our period, so we cannot recommend that you use both and . The surname was recorded in 1528. Other spellings include (1500) and (1498).[2] The arms 'Argent a rose sable' (a black rose on a white background) are excellent re-creation. Roses, in various colors, are very commonly used in arms. Unfortunately, this design conflicts with one already registered by the SCA College of Arms.[3] However, the similar 'Argent, three roses sable' (where the roses are arranged 2 in the top row and 1 underneath) appears to be free of conflict. In summary, either or would be a fine name for a sixteenth century Englishwoman. 'Argent, three roses sable' would be outstanding arms for a person of that time and place. I hope this letter has been useful. Please write us again if any part of it has been unclear or if you have other questions. I was assisted in researching and writing this letter by Talan Gwynek, Arval d'Espas Nord, Walraven van Nijmegen, Aryanhwy merch Catmael, Rouland Carre, Evan da Collaureo, Pedro de Alcazar, Alan Fairfax, Zenobia Naphtali, and Teceangl Bach. For the Academy, Juliana de Luna 21 May 1999 ----------------------------------------------------- References: [1] Talan Gwynek, 'Feminine Given Names in _A Dictionary of English Surnames_' (SCA: KWHS Proceedings, 1994; WWW: J. Mittleman, 1997). http://www.panix.com/~mittle/names/talan/reaney/ [2] Julian Goodwyn, 'English Names from pre-1600 Brass Inscriptions' (WWW: J. Mittleman, 1997). http://www.panix.com/~mittle/names/arval/brasses/ [3] Sylvester von Beerberg has registered 'Argent, on a rose sable barbed vert, a death's head argent'.