Ellwod History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The Ellwod surname finds its earliest origins with the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. Their name is derived from an ancient Chieftain titled Aldwold.

Early Origins of the Ellwod family

The surname Ellwod was first found in Gloucestershire at Ellwood, a hamlet in the Forest of Dean district. It is thought that the name could have had two origins: as a local name, as in someone from the aforementioned village; and having derived from the Old English personal name Aelfweald which has the elements oelf meaning "elf" + weald meaning "rule." 1 "Several tenants in chief in the Domesday [Book] are called Alwoldus or Aldwold, a contraction of the Anglo-Saxon Aethelwald. " 2

Early History of the Ellwod family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ellwod research. Another 89 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1639, 1713 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Ellwod History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ellwod 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 Ellwod 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 Ellwod include: Elwood, Ellwood, Ellward, Elward and others.

Early Notables of the Ellwod family

Another 38 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Ellwod Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Ellwod family to Ireland

Some of the Ellwod family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 59 words (4 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 Ellwod family

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 Ellwod or a variant listed above: Ralph Ellwood who settled in New England in 1635; Cipper Ellwood settled in Jamaica in 1685; Thomas Ellwood settled in Pennsylvania in 1682 with his wife and son and daughter.

The Ellwod 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: Fide et sedulitate
Motto Translation: With faith and diligence.

Citations +

Hanks, Patricia and Flavia Hodges, A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1988. Print. (ISBN 0-19-211592-8)
Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.