Show ContentsElums History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Elums family

The surname Elums 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 Elums family

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

Elums Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Elums have been found, including Elam, Ellam, Ellams, Ellum, Elham, Elhame, Eleam, Elleam, Elums, Elames and many more.

Early Notables of the Elums family

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

Migration of the Elums family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Some of the first immigrants to cross the Atlantic and come to North America bore the name Elums, 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 Elums 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.


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