Ilega History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The name Ilega belongs to the early history of Britain, it's origins lie with the Anglo-Saxons. It is a product of their having lived in the area referred to as Illide Green in the county of Cheshire. This place-name was originally derived from the Anglo-Norman French word isle or ile, which means islet and the Old English word lache, which means a lake. Therefore the original bearers of the surname Ilega lived near an islet located by a lake.

Early Origins of the Ilega family

The surname Ilega was first found in Suffolk, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Early History of the Ilega family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ilega research. Another 171 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1188, 1500, 1799 and 1851 are included under the topic Early Ilega History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ilega Spelling Variations

Until the dictionary, an invention of only the last few hundred years, the English language lacked any comprehensive system of spelling rules. Consequently, spelling variations in names are frequently found in early Anglo-Saxon and later Anglo-Norman documents. One person's name was often spelled several different ways over a lifetime. The recorded variations of Ilega include Illege, Illedge, Iledge, Ilege, Illega, Illige, Illidge, Illges, Ilige and many more.

Early Notables of the Ilega family

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

Migration of the Ilega family

Thousands of English families boarded ships sailing to the New World in the hope of escaping the unrest found in England at this time. Although the search for opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad took the lives of many because of the cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels, the opportunity perceived in the growing colonies of North America beckoned. Many of the settlers who survived the journey went on to make important contributions to the transplanted cultures of their adopted countries. The Ilega were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: Benjamin Ilidge, who sailed to America in 1757. L. Illege journeyed to San Francisco in 1852.

The Ilega 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: Aquila non captat muscas
Motto Translation: The eagle is no fly-catcher.