Show ContentsEliis History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Eliis family

The surname Eliis was first found in West Lothian where they held a family seat from very ancient times, when Helias son of Huctred was granted the lands of Dundas by Waldef, son of Earl Gospatrick, King of Northumberland in 1180.

Early History of the Eliis family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Eliis research. Another 116 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1178, 1214 and 1300 are included under the topic Early Eliis History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Eliis Spelling Variations

Although the name, Eliis, appeared in many references, from time to time, the surname was shown with the spellings Helias, Elyas, Elias and others.

Early Notables of the Eliis family

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

Migration of the Eliis family

Gradually becoming disenchanted with life in Ireland many of these uprooted families sailed aboard the armada of sailing ships known as the "White Sails" which plied the stormy Atlantic. These overcrowded ships often arrived with only 60 to 70% of their original passenger list, many dying of cholera, typhoid, dysentery or small pox. In North America, some of the first immigrants who could be considered kinsmen of the Eliis family name Eliis, or who bore a variation of the surname were John Elias settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1752; followed by Charles, Christian, Henry between 1813 and 1868; Catherine Elias landed in New York State in 1846..



The Eliis 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: Non quo sed quomodo
Motto Translation: Not by whom, but by what means.


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