A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Ellard family of England.
Reg. 2867 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
heartSincerity, charity and true affection
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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)
“Sa. on a bend erm. three human hearts gu”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Ellard Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Ellard arms are recorded
The Ellard arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried 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 Ellard 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 Ellard Family in England
The surname Ellard has deep roots in the historical landscape of Northern England, with documented evidence placing the family in the city of York as early as 1620. The name is believed to be of Old English origin, likely derived from a combination of words meaning noble or brave. During the seventeenth century, families like the Ellards were often part of the growing merchant and artisan classes that helped define the social fabric of York. As residents of such a significant cathedral city, these early family members lived through a period of immense political and religious change in Britain. Their presence in the city records suggests that they were established citizens who contributed to the local economy and community life during the transition into the modern era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Aethelheard
Derived from Old English elements meaning noble and hardy or brave.
This name
EllardA surname originating from an Old English personal name signifying a noble and resolute individual.
also spelled
Ellardt
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Account Rolls, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
heartSincerity, charity and true affection
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
heartSincerity, charity and true affection
