Map of England showing where the Ellison arms are recorded
The Ellison arms were recorded in Durham, c. 1620.
Durham was governed by its bishop rather than the crown for most of its history, with its own courts and its own landed class. That separate world produced a tight group of families, nearly all of whom held 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 Ellison 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 Durham.
Origin & History of the Ellison Family in England
The surname Ellison is a patronymic name, which means it was originally created to identify a person as the son of a man named Ellis. The name Ellis itself is a medieval variation of the name Elijah, which has deep roots in religious history. By the early 17th century, families bearing this name had established a firm presence in the County of Durham in Northern England. These early ancestors were often involved in the local agricultural and mining communities that defined the region during that era. As the name became more common, it spread throughout the north of England, reflecting the movement of families who sought work in the growing industrial and trade sectors of the time. The transition from being known simply as the son of Ellis to carrying the permanent surname of Ellison helped these families maintain their identity as they moved into new towns and cities across the country.
Ellison Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Elias
The Lord is my God
This name
EllisonA patronymic surname meaning son of Ellis or son of Elijah.
also spelled
Ellyson
Elleson
Related arms
Biggsrecorded with Ellison, same area
Hirstrecorded with Ellison, same area
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
Durham County Record Office, Durham Bishopric Estates Records, 1620
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.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
