A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Elkin family of England.
Reg. 4450 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Gu. on a fesse ar. betw. two tigers pass. or, three mullets pierced sa”
EnglandLondon, c. 1558
Where the Elkin Arms Were Recorded
London
Map of England showing where the Elkin arms are recorded
The Elkin arms were recorded in London, c. 1558.
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.
Mary I
Sovereign of the period
Mary I
1553–1558
Reigning in England when the Elkin 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 England.
Origin & History of the Elkin Family in England
The surname Elkin is a patronymic name, which means it originated as a way to identify a person as the son or descendant of someone named Elkin. This name itself is a diminutive form of the medieval given name Ellis, which is a variation of Elijah. By the time the family appeared in London records in 1558, the name had already become a stable hereditary surname passed down through generations. During the sixteenth century, the Elkin family in London was part of the growing merchant class that helped define the city's economy. These early family members were often involved in trade and civic life, reflecting the social mobility that characterized the Elizabethan era. As the name spread from London to other parts of England, it maintained its connection to these early roots in the capital.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Elie
The Hebrew name meaning my God is Yahweh.
This name
ElkinA diminutive form of the name Elias, meaning son of Elias.
also spelled
Elkyn
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
London Metropolitan Archives, City of London Parish Registers, 1558
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
