Show ContentsElker History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Elker family comes from the ancient Scottish Dalriadan clans of the mountainous west coast of Scotland. The name Elker is derived from the given name Alexander, which in turn was originally derived from the Greek name, which means "defender of men." In the late 11th century, Queen Margaret introduced the name, which she had heard in the Hungarian Court where she was raised, into Scotland by naming one of her sons Alexander. The popularity of the name Alexander was ensured by the fact that it was borne by three Scottish kings, the first being Margaret's son who succeeded to the throne of Scotland following the death of Malcolm III. The name Elshener is a local or dialectal pronunciation of the name Alexander.

Early Origins of the Elker family

The surname Elker was first found in Kintyre, where they held a family seat from very ancient times.

Early History of the Elker family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Elker research. Another 455 words (32 lines of text) covering the years 1230, 1295, 1431, 1475, 1493, 1555, 1561, 1574, 1605 and 1840 are included under the topic Early Elker History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Elker Spelling Variations

Translation in medieval times was an undeveloped science and was often carried out without due care. For this reason, many early Scottish names appeared radically altered when written in English. The spelling variations of Elker include Elshener, Elshenar, Elshender, Alshioner, Alesander, Alexander, Aleschunder, Elchyneur, Elzenour, Alshunder, Alshenour, Elshenour, Alexshunder, Alschunder, Alshenour, Alschunder, Alshonder, Alschoner, Alzenhar, Alzenor, Aschenour, Elchuner, Elshinar, Alshonner, Alshinor, Alshonar, Elsher, Elsender, Elshar and many more.

Early Notables of the Elker family

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

Ireland Migration of the Elker family to Ireland

Some of the Elker family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Elker family

The hardy Scots who made the crossing settled all along the east coast of North America and in the great west that was just then opening up. At the time of the American War of Independence, many United Empire Loyalists moved north from the American colonies to Canada. Scottish national heritage became better known in North America in the 20th century through highland games and other patriotic events. An examination of immigration records and passenger ship lists revealed that people bearing the name Elker arrived in North America very early: Nicholas Elshie who settled in Connecticut in 1640; Duncan Alexshunder landed in America in 1685; James Eleshundar settled in Virginia in 1670; and Sir William Alexander, Earl of Stirling, who colonized Nova Scotia, in Antigonish, Pictou, the Carolinas, Virginia and Upper Canada. Richard H. Alexander, traveled from Ontario with the ".



The Elker 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: Per mare per terras
Motto Translation: By sea and by land.


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