Elames History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Early Origins of the Elames family

The surname Elames was 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.

Early History of the Elames family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Elames research. Another 125 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1324, 1455 and 1487 are included under the topic Early Elames History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Elames Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Elames were recorded, including Elam, Ellam, Ellams, Ellum, Elham, Elhame, Eleam, Elleam, Elums, Elames and many more.

Early Notables of the Elames family

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

Migration of the Elames family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Elames family emigrate to North America: 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.

The Elames 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: Nec Sperno Nec Timeo
Motto Translation: I neither despise nor fear.