Show ContentsIliff History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Iliff

What does the name Iliff mean?

The generations and branches of the Iliff family share a name that has its roots in the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. The name Iliff comes from the baptismal name Ailof.

Early Origins of the Iliff family

The surname Iliff was first found in Northumberland and Cumberland (Cumbria), where the first record of the family was in the Latin form in the Curia Regis Rolls for 1212: Æillovus, identical with Illivus. These early English rolls provide us with a glimpse of the spelling variations that were used through Medieval times. 1

Early History of the Iliff family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Iliff research. Another 99 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1166, 1176, 1198, 1240, 1260, 1500, 1640, 1669, 1705, 1724, 1733, 1763, 1777 and 1898 are included under the topic Early Iliff History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Iliff Spelling Variations

Until quite recently, the English language has lacked a definite system of spelling rules. Consequently, Anglo-Saxon surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. Changes in Anglo-Saxon names were influenced by the evolution of the English language, as it incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other languages. Although Medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, so it is common to find one person referred to by several different spellings of his surname, even the most literate people varied the spelling of their own names. Variations of the name Iliff include Iliff, Iliffe, Illiffe, Illif, Ayliff, Ayliffe, Ailiffe, Ailiff, Ellif, Elaf and many more.

Early Notables of the Iliff family

Distinguished members of the family include Jacob Ilive (1705-1763), English printer, letter-founder, and author, born in 1705, the son of a printer of Aldersgate Street, one of those 'said to be highflyers' (see 'Negus's List,' 1724, in...
Another 37 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Iliff Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Iliff Ranking

In the United States, the name Iliff is the 14,031st most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 2

Migration of the Iliff family to Ireland

Some of the Iliff family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 33 words (2 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Iliff migration to the United States +

Searching for a better life, many English families migrated to British colonies. Unfortunately, the majority of them traveled under extremely harsh conditions: overcrowding on the ships caused the majority of the immigrants to arrive diseased, famished, and destitute from the long journey across the ocean. For those families that arrived safely, modest prosperity was attainable, and many went on to make invaluable contributions to the development of the cultures of the new colonies. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Iliff or a variant listed above:

Iliff Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Benjamin Iliff to Philadelphia in 1878
  • Bessie Iliff, aged 34, who arrived in New York in 1892 aboard the ship "Umbria" from Liverpool, England 3
Iliff Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • John G. Iliff, aged 39, originally from Oakland, CA, who arrived in New York in 1919 aboard the ship "Cedric" from Liverpool, England 3
  • John E. Iliff, aged 22, who arrived in New York in 1922 aboard the ship "Lord Ormonde" from Iquique, Chile 3
  • Lizzie Teller Iliff, aged 57, originally from Bournemouth, England, who arrived in New York in 1923 aboard the ship "Zeeland" from Southampton, England 3
  • Charles William Iliff, aged 43, originally from Boxman, England, who arrived in New York in 1924 aboard the ship "Antonia" from Southampton, England 3
  • Dorothy Iliff, aged 36, originally from Boxmore, England, who arrived in New York in 1924 aboard the ship "Antonia" from Southampton, England 3

Iliff migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Iliff Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Henry Iliff, aged 26, who arrived in South Australia in 1849 aboard the ship "Florentia" 4
  • H. Iliff, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Florentia" in 1849 4
  • Thomas Iliff, aged 27, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Marion" in 1849 5

Contemporary Notables of the name Iliff (post 1700) +

  • John Wesley Iliff Sr. (1831-1878), American cattle rancher, eponym of Iliff, Colorado, eponym and benefactor of the Iliff School of Theology, Denver, Colorado
  • Geoffrey Durnford Iliff (1867-1946), English Anglican missionary bishop, Archdeacon of Hereford (1941)


The Iliff 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: Vive ut vivas
Motto Translation: Live that you may live for ever


  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  3. Ellis Island Search retrieved 15th November 2022. Retrieved from https://heritage.statueofliberty.org/passenger-result
  4. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) FLORENTIA 1849. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1849Florentia.htm
  5. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) The MARION 1849. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1849Marion.htm


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