This unusual and interesting name is of Norman origin, introduced into Britain after the Conquest of 1066 in the form of the Olde French personal name "Pepis" or "Pepin". The derivation of the name is thought to be from an ancient byname meaning "Terrible" or "Awe-inspiring", ultimately from the root word "bib", to tremble. The name was very popular in France and in Germany, partly because of the fame of the founders of the Caroligian Monarchy, Pepin de Heristal and Pepin le Bref, father of Charlemagne. The surname development has included William Peps (1377, Essex), John Peppes (1602), London and Katherin Papes (1655 ibid.). The modern surname can be found as "Papps, Papes, Pepin, Pepys and Pipon". John Papps was married to Ann Smith on the 21st November 1761 at St. James's, Westminster. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of John Pepes, which was dated 1279, in the "Cambridgeshire Hundred Rolls", during the reign of King Edward 1, known as "The Hammer of the Scots", 1272 - 1307. 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.

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