A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Elphick family of England.
Reg. 7630 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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. on a chev. betw. three eagles with two heads gu. as many plates”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Elphick Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Elphick arms are recorded
The Elphick 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 Elphick 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 Elphick Family in England
The surname Elphick is believed to have originated in England as a patronymic name, meaning it was derived from the given name of an early ancestor. Linguists often link the name to the Old English personal name Aelfheah, which translates to "elf-high" or "elf-counsel." By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Elphick family were living and working within this northern hub, likely contributing to the local trade and social life of the region. During this period, families often settled in specific areas for generations, allowing the name to become firmly rooted in the local community. While the name eventually spread to other parts of England, its early association with York highlights the family's long-standing connection to the cultural and economic history of the north.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Aelfheah
Old English elements meaning elf and high or tall.
This name
ElphickA patronymic surname derived from the Old English personal name meaning elf-high.
also spelled
Elphickson
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, Parish Registers of York, 1620
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
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
