Show ContentsEllwell History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Ellwell family

The surname Ellwell was first found in Durham, at Elwick, a township, in the parish of Hart, union of Stockton. "Robert de Brus gave 'Ailewic' in 'Hertenes,' in frank marriage with his daughter Agatha, to Ralph, son of Ribald, of Middleham." 1

Records of the family are scant. The first record of the family was found in the Register of Freemen of the City of York in 1512 where Ralph Elwick was listed. John Ellyk was also listed in the same source in 1569. 2 Elwick Hall is a nearby parish.

Early History of the Ellwell family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ellwell research. Another 84 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1455 and 1487 are included under the topic Early Ellwell History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ellwell 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 Ellwell were recorded, including Elwick, Elswick, Elwyke, Elwike, Elswell, Ellswell, Ellswick and many more.

Early Notables of the Ellwell family

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

Migration of the Ellwell 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 Ellwell family emigrate to North America: settlers, who arrived along the eastern seaboard, from Newfoundland, to Maine, to Virginia, the Carolinas, and to the islands.



  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  2. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)


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