A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Elward family of Ireland.
Reg. 8310 · Irish, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Erm. on a chief or, a demi lion ramp. az”
Irelandc. 1645
Where the Elward Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Elward arms are recorded
The Elward arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Ireland when the Elward arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ireland.
Origin & History of the Elward Family in Ireland
The family name Elward has roots that trace back to the mid-seventeenth century in Ireland, with documented evidence placing members of the family in Dublin by 1645. The name is believed to be a variation of the Old English name Edward, which evolved through regional dialects and shifts in pronunciation over many generations. During the 1600s, Dublin was a bustling center of trade and political change, and families living in the city were often involved in the merchant class or skilled trades. As the name moved through different areas, it became a distinct identifier for a specific lineage that established itself within the urban landscape of Ireland. By settling in a major hub like Dublin, the early Elward family became part of the complex social fabric of a city experiencing significant historical transitions.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Aethelweard
Old English elements meaning noble and guardian or protector.
This name
ElwardA surname derived from the Old English personal name meaning noble guardian.
also spelled
Elward
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
MacLysaght, Edward, The Surnames of Ireland, 1985
National Archives of Ireland, Civil Survey of the County of Dublin, 1654–1656
Registry of Deeds, Dublin, Abstracts of Wills and Administrations, 1645–1700
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
