A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Ellerker family of England.
Reg. 8872 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
water bougetThe crusader's water carrier, and a journey made
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Ar. a fesse betw. three water bougets gu”
YorkEllerker · York, c. 1620
Where the Ellerker Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Ellerker arms are recorded
The Ellerker arms were recorded in York, c. 1620.
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 Ellerker 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 York.
Origin & History of the Ellerker Family in England
The surname Ellerker is a locative name, meaning it originated from a specific place rather than a trade or a personal characteristic. It is derived from the village of Ellerker in the East Riding of Yorkshire, where the family likely established their roots many centuries ago. By the early seventeenth century, members of the family had firmly integrated into the urban life of York, which was a major political and economic hub in Northern England. These early residents were part of a period when the city served as a center for regional governance and trade. Their presence in York by 1620 suggests that the family had successfully transitioned from their rural origins to become active participants in the professional and social structures of one of England’s most historic cities.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Eller
Old Norse word for the alder tree.
This name
EllerkerA habitational name referring to a field or clearing where alder trees grow.
also spelled
Elarkar
Ellerkar
Related arms
Ellercarvariant spelling
Elmerrecorded with Ellerker, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Smith, A. H., The Place-Names of the East Riding of Yorkshire and York, 1937
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
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.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
water bougetThe crusader's water carrier, and a journey made
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
water bougetThe crusader's water carrier, and a journey made
