A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Elvin family of England.
Reg. 1965 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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 chev. gu. betw. three martlets sa”
NorfolkEast Dereham · Norfolk, c. 1620
Where the Elvin Arms Were Recorded
Norfolk
Map of England showing where the Elvin arms are recorded
The Elvin arms were recorded in Norfolk, c. 1620.
Norfolk grew rich on wool and grain, and its wealth was spread among many middling families rather than a few great ones. Households of that kind 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 Elvin 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 Norfolk.
Origin & History of the Elvin Family in England
The family name Elvin has deep roots in the English county of Norfolk, where records confirm members of the family were living as early as 1620. The name is believed to originate from the Old English personal name Ælfwine, which translates to "elf friend." During the Middle Ages, it was common for people to adopt their father’s given name as a permanent surname to distinguish themselves in growing communities. By the seventeenth century, families bearing this name were well-established in the rural landscapes of East Anglia, often working as farmers or tradespeople. Their presence in Norfolk during this period suggests that they were part of the local social fabric long before the seventeenth century, contributing to the development of the region through agriculture and local commerce.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ælfwine
Old English elements meaning elf and friend.
This name
ElvinDerived from the Old English name meaning elf friend or friend of the elves.
also spelled
Elvyn
Related arms
Armstrongrecorded with Elvin, same area
Fennrecorded with Elvin, same area
Hyderecorded with Elvin, same area
Skarlettrecorded with Elvin, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary, 1912
Norfolk Record Office, Parish Registers of Norfolk, 1538–1900
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
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
