Germano

This widespread surname of GERMANO was originally derived from the Latin Germanus, this sometimes denoted an actual immigrant from Germany, but was also used to refer to a person who had trade or other connections with the country. The Latin word Germanus is of obscure and disputed origin, the most plausible of the etymologies that have been proposed is that the people were originally known as the 'Spear-men', with GERI (Spear) as its first element. Early records of the name in England mention Germanus (without surname) who was listed as a tenant in the Domesday Book of 1086. Many of the early names recorded in medieval documents denote noble families but many also indicate migration from the continent during, and in the wake of, the Norman invasion of 1066.

There was a constant stream of merchants, workmen and others arriving in England during this time. In 1086 the Record of Great Inquisition of lands of England, their extent, value, ownership and liabilities was made by order of William the Conqueror. It is known as the Domesday book. Jermain filius Willelmi, 1248, County Essex. Other notable members are Johannes Germayne of County Southampton in 1273 and Simon Germayne of County Oxfordshire. Germanus Benson was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379 as was Germanus Gardyner.