The last name carpenter originated from Guillaume Charpentier, cousin of Guillaume le Bastard, otherwise known as William the Conquerer. He was also the viscount of Melun, a town in Normandy. Through this title he also had the responsibility of serving as a knight. During the Norman invasion of England in 1066, he was called up to serve. During the battle of Hastings, Guillaume De Melun lost his lance, sword, and horse. In a desperate attempt to survive, Guillaume picked up an Anglo-Saxon battle ax, their primary weapon, and killed many of his enemies. His fellow soldiers witnessed his ability to strike down his opponents with the ax and gave him the nickname Guillaume Le Charpentier. At this time, a carpenter was a wagon maker, and accordingly, their main tool was an ax. After the conquest of England, he moved his family to England and settled. Over time and through acculturation, the name evolved from the French "Charpentier" to Carpenter.
