Show ContentsElaf History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Elaf is an ancient Anglo-Saxon surname that came from the baptismal name Ailof.

Early Origins of the Elaf family

The surname Elaf was first found in Northumberland and Cumberland (Cumbria), where the first record of the family was in the Latin form in the Curia Regis Rolls for 1212: Æillovus, identical with Illivus. These early English rolls provide us with a glimpse of the spelling variations that were used through Medieval times. 1

Early History of the Elaf family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Elaf research. Another 99 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1166, 1176, 1198, 1240, 1260, 1500, 1640, 1669, 1705, 1724, 1733, 1763, 1777 and 1898 are included under the topic Early Elaf History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Elaf Spelling Variations

The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries; therefore,spelling variations are common among early Anglo-Saxon names. As the form of the English language changed, even the spelling of literate people's names evolved. Elaf has been recorded under many different variations, including Iliff, Iliffe, Illiffe, Illif, Ayliff, Ayliffe, Ailiffe, Ailiff, Ellif, Elaf and many more.

Early Notables of the Elaf family

Distinguished members of the family include Jacob Ilive (1705-1763), English printer, letter-founder, and author, born in 1705, the son of a printer of Aldersgate Street, one of those 'said to be highflyers' (see 'Negus's List,' 1724, in...
Another 37 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Elaf Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Elaf family to Ireland

Some of the Elaf family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 33 words (2 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 Elaf family

For many English families, the political and religious disarray that shrouded England made the far away New World an attractive prospect. On cramped disease-ridden ships, thousands migrated to those British colonies that would eventually become Canada and the United States. Those hardy settlers that survived the journey often went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations in which they landed. Analysis of immigration records indicates that some of the first North American immigrants bore the name Elaf or a variant listed above: Thomas Ayliffe, who sailed to Rappahannock, Virginia in 1741; John Ayliffe to Maryland in 1774; and Benjamin Iliff to Philadelphia in 1878.



The Elaf 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: Vive ut vivas
Motto Translation: Live that you may live for ever


  1. 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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