Ailward History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The roots of this English name predate the Norman invasion of 1066. It comes from the Old English name "Adelweard," which existed before surnames came into usage in Britain. The name is composed of the elements "adal," meaning "noble," and "ward," meaning "guard," combined to mean "noble protector." 1 The Domesday Book lists Aegelward and Ailuuard. 2

Early Origins of the Ailward family

The surname Ailward was first found in Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, where a Godric filius Aeilwardi was living in 1095. 1

While most of the records point to Suffolk, an earlier record was found of Earl Aylward founding Buckfast Abbey at Buckfastleigh, Devon in 1018 during the reign of King Cnut.

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 pointed to the widespread use of the name by that time: Bernard Aylward, Wiltshire; Beatrix Aylward, Buckinghamshire; and Alan Alward, Cambridgeshire. 3

The Placita de Quo Warranto, temp. Edward I-III listed Simon filius Aylward, Lancashire, 20 Edward I (during the twentieth year of King Edward I's reign.) In Norfolk, John Ayleward was listed there in 1325 and Hamond Ayleward was vicar of Swardeston, in 1376. 4 An early entry was also found in Somerset where Nicholas Alyward was listed there 1 Edward III. 5

Early History of the Ailward family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ailward research. Another 83 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1153, 1168, 1201, 1229, 1243, 1601, 1705, 1730, 1755, 1759, 1769, 1771, 1784, 1788, 1791 and 1801 are included under the topic Early Ailward History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ailward Spelling Variations

Until quite recently, the English language has lacked a definite system of spelling rules. Consequently, Anglo-Saxon surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. Changes in Anglo-Saxon names were influenced by the evolution of the English language, as it incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other languages. Although Medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, so it is common to find one person referred to by several different spellings of his surname, even the most literate people varied the spelling of their own names. Variations of the name Ailward include Aylward, Ailward, Eylward and others.

Early Notables of the Ailward family

Distinguished members of the family include Theodore Aylward, born in or about 1730. Of his early career but little information can be gleaned. We find him in 1755 composing for the church, and in 1759 for the theatre. In 1769 the Catch Club awarded him the prize medal for his serious glee, 'A cruel fate,' a surprising decision, as one of the competing compositions was Arne's fine glee, 'Come shepherds we'll follow the hearse.' On June...
Another 75 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Ailward Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Ailward family to Ireland

Some of the Ailward family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 50 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ailward migration to Canada +

Searching for a better life, many English families migrated to British colonies. Unfortunately, the majority of them traveled under extremely harsh conditions: overcrowding on the ships caused the majority of the immigrants to arrive diseased, famished, and destitute from the long journey across the ocean. For those families that arrived safely, modest prosperity was attainable, and many went on to make invaluable contributions to the development of the cultures of the new colonies. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Ailward or a variant listed above:

Ailward Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Mary Ailward, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1831

Citations +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Rye, Walter, A History of Norfolk. London: Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row, 1885. Print
Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.