Elen History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Early Origins of the Elen family

The surname Elen was first found in Berwickshire 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 Elen family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Elen research. Another 88 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1296 and 1463 are included under the topic Early Elen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Elen Spelling Variations

Although the name, Elen, appeared in many references, from time to time, the surname was shown with the spellings Ellem, Ellim, Ellam, Ellames, Ellams, Ellems and others.

Early Notables of the Elen family

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

Migration of the Elen family

Gradually becoming disenchanted with life in Ireland many of these uprooted families sailed aboard the armada of sailing ships known as the "White Sails" which plied the stormy Atlantic. These overcrowded ships often arrived with only 60 to 70% of their original passenger list, many dying of cholera, typhoid, dysentery or small pox. In North America, some of the first immigrants who could be considered kinsmen of the Elen family name Elen, or who bore a variation of the surname were Charles Ellam who settled in Philadelphia in 1858.

Contemporary Notables of the name Elen (post 1700) +

Elen Lotman (b. 1981), Estonian cinematographer and director, known for Rambikramp (2008), Demons (2012) and My Dear Mother (2020)

The Elen 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.