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The Norman Horde swepte down to claime our lands and daughters without remorse nor pity. 11th cent. Benedictine Illumination
At one time every schoolchild could tell you that the Norman conquest took place in 1066 at the Battle of
Hastings. Above is a depiction of a detail of the famous 'Bayeux Tapestry' [held by the Museum of Bayeux, France] which
depicts the Norman conquest of England. The work was commisioned by the duchess Matilda for her uncle, Odo, bishop of Bayeux.
Contrary to legend, Matilda [William the Conqueror's wife] did not work on making the tapestry, which was likely made in England.
A form of the Norman language is still spoken in Normandy (France) and rural England.
Our Moniker
The name Norman is from an old Germanic nickname meaning "Northman", referring to a Viking. The
Normans were Vikings who settled on the coast of France, in the region that became known as Normandy. They conquered England
in the 11th century.
Macho Normans
Norman (A United States History)
According to the U.S. Social Security Administration and U.S. Birth Records, the most Baby Normans born in
the last 100 years were born between 1930 - 1939. Norman was the 41st most popular name for baby boys born during that decade.*
Though our given name has, in the U.S., fallen to #784 in popularity by 2003 (#784 was Elmore in the 30's),
we are proud of the long tradition of Norman. (Or as some of us prefer, Norm)
Our female counterparts, Norma, fell from #28 in the 30's to #169 by 2003.
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