Eylward History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The roots of this English name predate the Norman invasion of 1066. It comes from the Old English name "Adelweard," which existed before surnames came into usage in Britain. The name is composed of the elements "adal," meaning "noble," and "ward," meaning "guard," combined to mean "noble protector." 1 The Domesday Book lists Aegelward and Ailuuard. 2

Early Origins of the Eylward family

The surname Eylward was first found in Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, where a Godric filius Aeilwardi was living in 1095. 1

While most of the records point to Suffolk, an earlier record was found of Earl Aylward founding Buckfast Abbey at Buckfastleigh, Devon in 1018 during the reign of King Cnut.

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 pointed to the widespread use of the name by that time: Bernard Aylward, Wiltshire; Beatrix Aylward, Buckinghamshire; and Alan Alward, Cambridgeshire. 3

The Placita de Quo Warranto, temp. Edward I-III listed Simon filius Aylward, Lancashire, 20 Edward I (during the twentieth year of King Edward I's reign.) In Norfolk, John Ayleward was listed there in 1325 and Hamond Ayleward was vicar of Swardeston, in 1376. 4 An early entry was also found in Somerset where Nicholas Alyward was listed there 1 Edward III. 5

Early History of the Eylward family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Eylward research. Another 83 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1153, 1168, 1201, 1229, 1243, 1601, 1705, 1730, 1755, 1759, 1769, 1771, 1784, 1788, 1791 and 1801 are included under the topic Early Eylward History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Eylward Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Eylward are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. Scribes and monks in the Middle Ages spelled names they sounded, so it is common to find several variations that refer to a single person. The variations of the name Eylward include: Aylward, Ailward, Eylward and others.

Early Notables of the Eylward family

Distinguished members of the family include Theodore Aylward, born in or about 1730. Of his early career but little information can be gleaned. We find him in 1755 composing for the church, and in 1759 for the theatre. In 1769 the Catch Club awarded him the prize medal for his serious glee, 'A cruel fate,' a surprising decision, as one of the competing compositions was Arne's fine glee, 'Come shepherds we'll follow the hearse.' On June...
Another 75 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Eylward Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Eylward family to Ireland

Some of the Eylward family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 50 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Eylward family

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Eylward or a variant listed above: John Aylward, who came to Maryland in 1678; Henry Aylward, who arrived in Jamaica in 1734; Robert Aylward, a bonded passenger, who came to America in 1741.

Contemporary Notables of the name Eylward (post 1700) +

Mike Eylward (b. 1979), American Major League Baseball first baseman, third baseman and outfielder drafted by the Anaheim Angels in 2001

Citations +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Rye, Walter, A History of Norfolk. London: Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row, 1885. Print
Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.