Elward History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe family name Elward is one of the oldest Anglo-Saxon names of Britain. It was originally a name for a person who worked as a keeper of a hall. The surname Elward is composed of the elements hall, which denoted one who was employed at such a manor-house or hall, and ward, which was originally applied to one who was a watchman. 1 "The Domesday Book Æluuard, Aluuard, Eluuardus may represent OE Ælfweard ‘elf guard’ which is clearly represented above or OE Æðelweard ‘noble guard’ which survives as Aylward and also appears as Alward. In the 12th century the two names were confused." 2 But earlier records show "AElward and Ailward were personal names before 1086. 3 Early Origins of the Elward familyThe surname Elward was first found in Suffolk at Bury St Edmunds where the first entries for the name were singularly Aluardus (1182-1186), and Alfwardus pistor (1200-1211.) 2 The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 included entries for Bernard Aylward, Wiltshire; Beatrix Aylward, Buckinghamshire; and Alan Alward, Cambridgeshire. 4 In Norfolk, records there show John Ayleward, Norwich, 1325 and Hamond Ayleward, vicar of Swardeston, Norfolk, 1376. 5 Early Somerset records show Nicholas Alyward, 1 Edward III (during the first year of King Edward III's reign. 6 In Scotland, "John Aluart was "office bearer," [and was] probably procurator of the Scottish Nation in the University of Orleans, 1418." 7 Early History of the Elward familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Elward research. Another 59 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1500, 1626 and 1669 are included under the topic Early Elward History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Elward Spelling VariationsBefore English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, French and other languages became incorporated into English through the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Elward include Allward, Alward, Alwood, Allwood, Alwart, Ailward, Alyward, Aylward, Ailard, Allard, Aillard, Ailard and many more. Early Notables of the Elward familyAnother 36 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Elward Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Elward family to IrelandSome of the Elward family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
A great wave of immigration to the New World was the result of the enormous political and religious disarray that struck England at that time. Families left for the New World in extremely large numbers. The long journey was the end of many immigrants and many more arrived sick and starving. Still, those who made it were rewarded with an opportunity far greater than they had known at home in England. These emigrant families went on to make significant contributions to these emerging colonies in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers carried this name or one of its variants: Elward Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Elward Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
Some of the first settlers of this family name were: Elward Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
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