Show ContentsAlliff History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Alliff is an ancient Anglo-Saxon name that is derived from the baptismal name Ailof.

Early Origins of the Alliff family

The surname Alliff was first found in Northumberland and Cumberland (Cumbria), where the first record of the family was in the Latin form in the Curia Regis Rolls for 1212: Æillovus, identical with Illivus. These early English rolls provide us with a glimpse of the spelling variations that were used through Medieval times. 1

Early History of the Alliff family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Alliff research. Another 99 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1166, 1176, 1198, 1240, 1260, 1500, 1640, 1669, 1705, 1724, 1733, 1763, 1777 and 1898 are included under the topic Early Alliff History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Alliff Spelling Variations

Alliff has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Alliff have been found, including Iliff, Iliffe, Illiffe, Illif, Ayliff, Ayliffe, Ailiffe, Ailiff, Ellif, Elaf and many more.

Early Notables of the Alliff family

Distinguished members of the family include Jacob Ilive (1705-1763), English printer, letter-founder, and author, born in 1705, the son of a printer of Aldersgate Street, one of those 'said to be highflyers' (see 'Negus's List,' 1724, in...
Another 37 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Alliff Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Alliff family to Ireland

Some of the Alliff family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 33 words (2 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Alliff family

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Alliffs to arrive on North American shores: Thomas Ayliffe, who sailed to Rappahannock, Virginia in 1741; John Ayliffe to Maryland in 1774; and Benjamin Iliff to Philadelphia in 1878.



The Alliff 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: Vive ut vivas
Motto Translation: Live that you may live for ever


  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)


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