Map of England showing where the Eltonhead arms are recorded
The Eltonhead arms were recorded in Lancaster, c. 1549.
Lancashire was divided among a great many small landed families, more than most northern counties. Estates were passed down whole rather than split up, so the same names hold the same ground for centuries in the records.
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.
Edward VI of England
Sovereign of the period
Edward VI of England
1547–1553
Reigning in England when the Eltonhead 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 Lancaster.
Origin & History of the Eltonhead Family in England
The family name Eltonhead originates from the historic county of Lancashire in Northwest England. By the year 1549, records confirm that members of the Eltonhead family were well-established residents of this region. The name itself is locational, meaning it was likely derived from a specific place or estate known as Eltonhead located near the town of Prescot. During the sixteenth century, the family held significant status as local landowners and members of the minor gentry. They played an active role in the social and administrative life of the area, often appearing in legal documents and land transfers that helped define the boundaries of their ancestral holdings. Over time, the family became deeply rooted in the local landscape, and their name remained closely tied to the geography of Lancashire for several generations.
Eltonhead Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Eald-tun-heafod
Old settlement headland or the source of an ancient town.
This name
EltonheadDerived from a topographic location referring to the headland near an old town or estate.
also spelled
Eltonhed
Eltonhede
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Farrer, William and Brownbill, John, The Victoria History of the County of Lancaster, 1907
Lancashire Archives, The Eltonhead of Eltonhead Deeds and Papers, DDEl
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
