This is a famous Anglo-Irish name, although the origin is Norse-Viking, pre 7th Century from "Stakkr". The name is job descriptive for a builder of Stacks, specifically hay stacks, and therefore a form of agricultural contractor. This peaceful occupation seems rather at odds with the "Stacks", later reputation in that the Irish holders of the name, who originally formed part of the English 14th Century Colonist policy, turned against England and were ferocious opponents in the Elizabethan Wars. The name is an early surname, the recordings include Simon Stakke of Hampshire in 1244, whilst in Ireland, John Stack was Bishop of Ardfert in 1588, whilst General Edward Stack lead the Irish Brigade (The Wild Geese) in the Napoleonic Wars (1792 - 1815). The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Robert Stac, which was dated 1199, The Count Pipe Rolls of Berkshire, during the reign of King Richard I, The Lionheart, 1189 - 1199. 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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