Meaning of the Ellsmore family crest symbols
Fleur-de-lis
The fleur-de-lis is one of the oldest in international heraldry. It represents purity, light and religious devotion including connotations of the Virgin Mary. It stands as a connection to the family's earliest religious associations and beliefs.
Shield - Bordure
The 'bordure' edge around the shield is a mark of difference used to identify separate families that hold similar coat of arms designs. It is one that became a distinctive mark of pride over time for those families that used one.
Meaning of the Ellsmore coat of arms colors
Black
The black color (known as Sable) symbolizes constancy and the enduring nature of the family. It is a symbol of family longevity through time.
Yellow/Gold
The gold color (known as Or) represented the noble standing of a family and also stood as a symbol of generosity and those with a giving nature.
Ellsmore name meaning and origin
Ellsmore is a surname of English origin, often associated with geographic roots. It is believed to derive from a location name, reflecting features of the landscape, such as “Ells” meaning noble or “moor,” suggesting an inhabitant of a moorland.
History of family crests like the Ellsmore coat of arms
Family crests and coats of arms emerged during the Middle Ages, mostly in wider Europe. They were used as a way to identify knights and nobles on the battlefield and in tournaments. The designs were unique to each family and were passed down from generation to generation.
The earliest crests were simple designs, such as a single animal or symbol, but they became more elaborate over time. Coats of arms were also developed, which included a shield with the family crest, as well as other symbols and colors that represented the family's history and achievements.
The use of family crests and coats of arms spread throughout Europe and became a symbol of social status and identity. They were often displayed on clothing, armor, and flags, and were used to mark the family's property and possessions.
Today, family crests and coats of arms are still used as a way to honor and celebrate family heritage.
Ellsmore name variations and their meaning
Ellsmore has seen several intriguing variations across different cultures and centuries. In the 16th century, English speakers began to favor the form Elsmore, which emerged through a phonetic simplification that reflected changes in pronunciation patterns of the time. By the 18th century, the name evolved in colonial contexts, leading to variations such as Elsmore becoming Alzmore in certain regions of the United States, as immigrants adapted the name to fit local linguistic habits. In Scandinavia, during the 17th and 18th centuries, the name transformed into Ellsmor and Elsmor, influenced by regional linguistic traits and suffix preferences. Meanwhile, in some French-speaking areas, a variant like Élmore surfaced, highlighting the interplay between languages and cultures as well as the historical migration patterns that influenced these adaptations. Such variations not only demonstrate the rich tapestry of linguistic evolution but also reflect personal stories and journeys across generations.
Find your family crest
Learn how to find your family crest.
Other resources:
- Get your official family crest here.
- Learn about heraldry at britannica.com
- See an introduction at wikipedia.com
