Show ContentsElem History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Elem family

The surname Elem was first found in Berwickshire 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 Elem family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Elem research. Another 88 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1296 and 1463 are included under the topic Early Elem History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Elem Spelling Variations

The name Elem, appeared in many references, and from time to time, the surname was spelt Ellem, Ellim, Ellam, Ellames, Ellams, Ellems and others.

Early Notables of the Elem family

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

Elem Ranking

In the United States, the name Elem is the 16,177th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 1

Migration of the Elem family

The New World beckoned as many of the settlers in Ireland, known as the Scotch/Irish, became disenchanted. They sailed aboard the armada of sailing ships known as the "White Sails" which plied the stormy Atlantic. Some called them, less romantically, the "coffin ships." Amongst the early settlers who could be considered kinsmen of the Elem family, or who bore a variation of the surname Elem were Charles Ellam who settled in Philadelphia in 1858.



The Elem 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.


  1. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/


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