A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Elmer family of England.
Reg. 6659 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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 Cornish choughs ppr”
LincolnRisby · Lincoln, c. 1620
Where the Elmer Arms Were Recorded
Lincoln
Map of England showing where the Elmer arms are recorded
The Elmer arms were recorded in Lincoln, c. 1620.
Lincolnshire was rich farming country, and its wealth was spread across many middling families. Households of that size bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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 Elmer 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 Lincoln.
Origin & History of the Elmer Family in England
The name Elmer is rooted in Old English, originating from the personal name Æthelmer, which combines the words for noble and famous. By the time the family was established in Lincoln, England, in the early 1600s, the name had evolved through various spellings as it passed down through generations. Families living in Lincoln during this period often worked in trades or agriculture, contributing to the local economy of the cathedral city. The presence of the Elmer name in 1620 suggests that these ancestors were part of a long-standing community in the East Midlands. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of the region, eventually seeing some members travel to the American colonies to seek new opportunities. This migration was a common trend for families from Lincoln who wanted to establish their own land and businesses in a changing world.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Æðelmær
Old English elements meaning noble and famous or illustrious.
This name
ElmerDerived from Old English, signifying a person who is noble and famous.
also spelled
Elmar
Related arms
Ellerkerrecorded with Elmer, 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, 1997
Lincolnshire Archives, Lincoln Bishop's Transcripts, 1620
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
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
cross symbolChristian faith and service
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
