A Thousand Years of Nobility

It's hard to believe, but in England today, those with Norman surnames (French-sounding names such as Darcy, Olivier, Duval, Le Blanc) are on average ten per cent richer than the rest of the population. The Norman Barons who invaded in 1066 have passed on their wealth, albeit greatly diluted, and their heirs still do better on average than the Anglo-Saxons and Celts they ruled over. What's more, they even live an extra three years.

My ancestor Norbert de Clancy

Those with artisan's surnames fare less well. Being descended from mediaeval tradespeople and craftsmen they have names that describe their jobs: Cooper, Smith, Clark, Mason. If I were named thus, I'd think about Frenchifying it like so: de Cooper, Le Smith. It might be only the only chance at wealth !

ps. My new name is Lewk Le Photo

Further reading