Map of England showing where the Elmi arms are recorded
The Elmi arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Elmi 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 Elmi Family in England
The history of the Elmi name in York begins with records confirming the family’s presence in the city as early as 1620. During the seventeenth century, York was a bustling center of trade and religious life, and families like the Elmis were often integrated into the local community through skilled labor or small-scale commerce. While the name is sometimes associated with broader European roots, its specific appearance in York suggests that early members were part of the growing urban population that defined the city during the Stuart period. These early ancestors lived through a time of significant social change in Northern England, navigating the challenges of a city that served as a major political and ecclesiastical hub. By establishing themselves in York during this era, the family became part of the long-standing historical fabric of the region, contributing to the local economy and the steady development of the city’s parish life.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Helm
A protective covering for the head or a helmet.
This name
ElmiDerived from a topographic or occupational name referring to a helmet maker or wearer.
also spelled
Elmie
Elmey
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Records
York City Archives, City of York Council Records
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roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
