Elsley History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:

England

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The Elsley surname finds its earliest origins with the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. Their name is derived from the baptismal name Elsy, which was originally derived from the Old Norse word Aelfsige, which literally means elf-victory. Baptismal names began to appear as surnames relatively late in the growth of the naming tradition. This is a little surprising, given the popularity of biblical figures in the Christian countries of Europe. Nevertheless, surnames derived from baptismal names grew in popularity during the Middle Ages, and have become one of the foremost sources for surnames.

Early Origins of the Elsley family

The surname Elsley was first found in Yorkshire where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Elsley family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Elsley research. Another 64 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Elsley History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Elsley 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 Elsley 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. The variations of the name Elsley include: Elsley, Elsey and others.

Early Notables of the Elsley family

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

Elsley migration to the United States +

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 Elsley or a variant listed above:

Elsley Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

John Elsley who settled in Virginia in 1652

Elsley Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

John Elsley, who arrived in Charleston, South Carolina in 1804 1

Elsley migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Elsley Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr. Thomas Elsley, British Convict who was convicted in Berkshire, England for life, transported aboard the "Earl Cornwallis" in August 1800, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 2
James Elsley, English convict from Surrey, who was transported aboard the "Agincourt" on July 6, 1844, settling in Van Diemen's Land, Australia 3

Elsley migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Elsley Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Hannah Elsley, aged 21, a cook, who arrived in Nelson, New Zealand aboard the ship "Chile" in 1874
Mr. Reuben Elsley, (b. 1854), aged 20, English settler from Surrey travelling from London aboard the ship "Sussex" arriving in Port Chalmers, Dunedin, Otago, South Island, New Zealand on 17th July 1874 4

Contemporary Notables of the name Elsley (post 1700) +

Bryan Elsley (b. 1961), Scottish-born, American television writer 5
Arthur John Elsley (1860-1952), British painter, famous for his idyllic genre scenes of playful children and their pets 6

The Elsley 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: Sans Dieu rien
Motto Translation: Without God, nothing.