Elmhirst History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The name Elmhirst is of Anglo-Saxon origin and came from when the family lived in a local called Elmhirst, in Staffordshire. The surname is derived from the local of the elmwood which was derived from the Middle English word elm and the Icelandic word almur

Early Origins of the Elmhirst family

The surname Elmhirst was first found in Yorkshire where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Elmhirst family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Elmhirst research. Another 73 words (5 lines of text) covering the year 1250 is included under the topic Early Elmhirst History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Elmhirst Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Elmhirst are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. Scribes and monks in the Middle Ages spelled names they sounded, so it is common to find several variations that refer to a single person. The variations of the name Elmhirst include: Elmhirst, Elmhurst, Elmehirst and others.

Early Notables of the Elmhirst family

More information is included under the topic Early Elmhirst Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Elmhirst migration to the United States +

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Elmhirst or a variant listed above:

Elmhirst Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Leonard K. Elmhirst, aged 26, who landed in America from Barnsley, England, in 1919

Contemporary Notables of the name Elmhirst (post 1700) +

Robert Elmhirst (b. 1962), English professional footballer
Leonard Knight Elmhirst (1893-1974), Yorkshire clergyman's son who was an agronomist working in India, and was co-founder with his wife Dorothy Straight of the Dartington Hall project in progressive education and rural reconstruction
Tom Elmhirst (b. 1971), British music producer and mix engineer
Air Marshal Sir Thomas Walker Elmhirst KBE, CB, AFC, DL, RAF (1895-1982), senior Royal Air Force commander, Lieutenant-Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Guernsey (1953 to 1958)

The Elmhirst Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: In Domino confido
Motto Translation: I trust in the Lord.