A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Elford family of England.
Reg. 4064 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Per pale ar. and sa. a lion ramp. gu”
DevonShipston · Devon, c. 1620
Where the Elford Arms Were Recorded
Devon
Map of England showing where the Elford arms are recorded
The Elford arms were recorded in Devon, c. 1620.
Devon was a county of small manors and seafaring families. Its gentry were spread thickly across the countryside, and money made at sea often bought an estate, which in turn brought a coat of arms.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Elford arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Devon.
Origin & History of the Elford Family in England
The surname Elford is a locative name, which means it originated from a specific place rather than a trade or a personal characteristic. The name is derived from Old English words that translate to a ford where elder trees grew. By the early 17th century, the family was firmly established in the county of Devon, particularly around the areas of Bickham and Meavy. During this period, the Elford family became prominent local landowners and played active roles in the social and political life of the region. Their presence in Devon by 1620 reflects a long-standing connection to the landscape of the West Country, where they managed estates and participated in the governance of their local parishes. Over time, the family name became synonymous with the rural history of this part of England, marking them as a significant part of the local community for generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ælle + ford
Old English personal name Ælle combined with a river crossing.
This name
ElfordA locational surname referring to a river crossing associated with a person named Ælle.
also spelled
Elphord
Elferd
Related arms
Coopersimilar arms
Cowpersimilar arms
Despencersimilar arms
Drywoodrecorded with Elford, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Gover, J.E.B., Mawer, A., and Stenton, F.M., The Place-Names of Devon, 1931
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
The National Archives, Prerogative Court of Canterbury and related Probate Jurisdictions: Will Registers, PROB 11
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
lionCourage, strength and royalty
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
lionCourage, strength and royalty
