Ilam History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Ilam

What does the name Ilam mean?

In ancient Anglo-Saxon England, the ancestors of the Ilam surname lived on or near a hill. Further research showed the name was derived from the Old English words hyll, which meant hill. Combined the name means "dweller on the hill."

Early Origins of the Ilam family

The surname Ilam was first found in Hampshire 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 Ilam family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ilam research. Another 86 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1273 and 1327 are included under the topic Early Ilam History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ilam 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 Ilam 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 Ilam include: Hillman, Hilman, Hilleman and others.

Early Notables of the Ilam family

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

Migration of the Ilam 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 Ilam or a variant listed above: Edward Hillman who settled in Virginia in 1654; James Hillman settled in Barbados in 1685; Thomas Hillman settled in New England in 1654; George, and John Hillman arrived in Philadelphia in 1745..