Elhame History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Early Origins of the Elhame family

The surname Elhame 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 Elhame family

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

Elhame 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 Elhame include Elam, Ellam, Ellams, Ellum, Elham, Elhame, Eleam, Elleam, Elums, Elames and many more.

Early Notables of the Elhame family

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

Migration of the Elhame family

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 Elhame or a variant listed above: 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 Elhame 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.