First found in Lancashire where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor. The Saxon influence of English history diminished after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The language of the courts was French for the next three centuries and the Norman ambience prevailed. But Saxon surnames survived and the family name was first referenced in the year 1231 when John Ellam held estates in that shire.

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More about the Elam History...

Please remember that this page is only a small extract of our complete history that includes:

• Ancient origin of the name (usually pre-1100)
• Known spelling variations
• Early movement of the family name during the Middle Ages
• Noteworthy bearers from the 1500-1600s
• First settlers to North America
• Notable contemporary bearers of the name
• A description and/or full color picture of the Coat of Arms, Crest, and Motto (where available)

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: .Ann Elam, who came to Virginia in 1652; Joseph Elam, who settled in Philadelphia in 1794; M. Elam, who came to San Francisco in 1851; James Elion, who arrived in Ontario in 1871.

Motto Translated: I neither despise nor fear.

For more information on the last name Elam, the PDF Surname History is available for purchase as well as other products.