Show ContentsElin History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Elin family

The surname Elin 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 Elin family

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

Elin Spelling Variations

The name Elin, appeared in many references, and from time to time, the surname was spelt Ellem, Ellim, Ellam, Ellames, Ellams, Ellems and others.

Early Notables of the Elin family

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

Migration of the Elin family

The New World beckoned as many of the settlers in Ireland, known as the Scotch/Irish, became disenchanted. They sailed aboard the armada of sailing ships known as the "White Sails" which plied the stormy Atlantic. Some called them, less romantically, the "coffin ships." Amongst the early settlers who could be considered kinsmen of the Elin family, or who bore a variation of the surname Elin were Charles Ellam who settled in Philadelphia in 1858.


Contemporary Notables of the name Elin (post 1700) +

  • Laila Elin Goody (b. 1971), Norwegian actress
  • Elin Kristiansen (b. 1968), Norwegian gold and five-time silver medalist biathlete, active in the 1980s and 1990s
  • Elin Nilsen (b. 1968), former Norwegian Cross-country skier
  • Elin Hilderbrand, American romance novel writer


The Elin 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.


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