A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Ellis family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Reg. 8057 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Ellis, or Elys (Kiddall Hall, co. York; Sir JOHN ELYS, of Kiddall Hall, and his brother, Sir WILLIAM ELYS, of Everingham, temp. Edward III.. ELYS, of Kiddall Hall, terminated in an heiress, who m. Rev. RANDALL BORROUGHES, at the end of the 18th century, and ELYS, of Everingham, ended in an heiress in the 15th century, CONSTABLE MAXWELL now quartering the arms). Or, on a cross sa. five crescents ar. Crest—A woman naked, her hair dishevelled or (borne temp. Edward III., as depicted on a helmet on a stained glass window in the chapel of the house of Mr. VAVASOUR, at Hazelwood. Visit. York, 1585, Har. MSS., 1394).”
Englandc. 1394
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Map of England showing where the Ellis arms are recorded
The Ellis arms were recorded in England, c. 1394.
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.
Richard II of England
Sovereign of the period
Richard II of England
1377–1399
Reigning in England when the Ellis 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 Ellis Family in England
The surname Ellis is a patronymic name, which means it was originally derived from the first name of a father or ancestor. It stems from the medieval personal name Elis, which was a common form of the biblical name Elijah. By the time the name appeared in official records in York in 1394, it had begun to transition from a descriptive label into a permanent family identifier. During this period in England, surnames were becoming increasingly necessary for tax collection and legal documentation as the population grew. Families living in northern cities like York often held positions as merchants or skilled tradespeople, which helped the name spread through local trade networks. Because the name was tied to a popular religious figure, it emerged independently in different parts of the country, meaning that many people who share the name Ellis today may not descend from a single common ancestor but rather from various families who adopted the name during the late Middle Ages.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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 mermaid gu. crined or, holding a mirror in her right hand and a comb in her left gold”
MerionethGlasfryn · Merioneth, c. 1647
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Map of Wales showing where the Ellis arms are recorded
The Ellis arms were recorded in Merioneth, c. 1647.
Merioneth was mountain country in north-west Wales, poor and thinly settled. Its families held small estates for centuries, and long tenure counted for more than wealth.
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 Wales in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Ellis arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Wales
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 Merioneth.
Origin & History of the Ellis Family in Wales
The surname Ellis has deep roots in the rugged landscape of Wales, where it evolved from the personal name Elias. In the Welsh tradition, the name was often adopted as a patronymic, meaning a person was identified as the son of someone named Ellis. By the mid-seventeenth century, families bearing this name were well-established in the county of Merioneth. Records from 1647 confirm that members of the Ellis family were active landowners and community figures in this region during a time of great political upheaval in Britain. As the custom of using fixed surnames became more common across Wales, these families helped solidify the name as a permanent fixture of the local culture. Their presence in Merioneth reflects the broader transition of Welsh naming practices from fluid ancestral descriptions to the stable family surnames we recognize today.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
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)
“Ar. a cross sa. betw. four escallops gu”
IrelandEngland, c. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Ellis arms are recorded
The Ellis arms were recorded in England, c. 1645.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Ellis arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ireland.
Origin & History of the Ellis Family in Ireland
The family name Ellis has deep roots in Ireland that stretch back several centuries. While the name is often associated with English origins, it became well established in the Irish landscape through migration and settlement. By the year 1645, records confirm that members of the Ellis family were living in Dublin. At that time, Dublin was a bustling center of trade and political activity, making it a common destination for families seeking new opportunities. These early residents were part of a growing urban population that helped shape the city during a period of significant social change. Over time, the name became woven into the local history of the region as families integrated into the community and established their lives within the capital.
Ellis Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Elijah
The Hebrew name meaning my God is Yahweh.
This name
EllisA medieval diminutive form derived from the biblical name Elijah.
also spelled
Elliss
Ellisz
Elys
Ellice
Ellys
Related arms
Midletonsame arms
Myddeltonsame arms
Ellysvariant spelling
Elleis, or Ellesvariant spelling
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
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
The National Archives, York City Archives: House Books, 1394
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
cross symbolChristian faith and service
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
