Meaning of the Elwell family crest symbols
Star
The star symbolized the noble and good qualities of family members, such as loyalty, kindness, and respect. It was also used to represent the belief that additional divine characteristics were granted to family members by a higher power.
Cross
The cross in heraldry is the most widely used religious symbol and represents Christ's rise from the dead to claim victory over sin. It was used as a connection to the founding family member’s early religious devotion.
Meaning of the Elwell coat of arms colors
Silver
The silver or white color on the coat of arms, (known as 'Argent'), signifies sincerity and peacefulness. It is one of the oldest colors known in ancient heraldry.
Blue
The blue color (known as Azure) represented the family's loyal and truthful nature and their reputation for trustworthiness during the middle ages.
Elwell name meaning and origin
Elwell is an English surname of locational origin, derived from the Old English words "ælf" meaning elf and "well" meaning spring or stream. It likely originally referred to someone who lived near a spring or stream inhabited by elves.
History of family crests like the Elwell coat of arms
Family crests and coats of arms emerged during the Middle Ages, mostly in wider Europe. They were used as a way to identify knights and nobles on the battlefield and in tournaments. The designs were unique to each family and were passed down from generation to generation.
The earliest crests were simple designs, such as a single animal or symbol, but they became more elaborate over time. Coats of arms were also developed, which included a shield with the family crest, as well as other symbols and colors that represented the family's history and achievements.
The use of family crests and coats of arms spread throughout Europe and became a symbol of social status and identity. They were often displayed on clothing, armor, and flags, and were used to mark the family's property and possessions.
Today, family crests and coats of arms are still used as a way to honor and celebrate family heritage.
Elwell name variations and their meaning
The family name Elwell has various variations across different regions and time periods. One common variation is Ellwell, which is believed to have originated from the same root name. Another variation is Elwill, which has a similar pronunciation but a slightly different spelling. In some cases, the name may have been anglicized to Elwall, particularly in English-speaking countries. Additionally, there are instances where the name has been modified to Elwells, indicating a plural form or denoting a larger family. These variations may have emerged due to different dialects, regional accents, or simply personal preferences in spelling. Over time, as families migrated and settled in different areas, the name may have further evolved and taken on additional variations. Despite these differences, all variations of the Elwell name share a common ancestry and are part of the same family lineage.
Find your family crest
Learn how to find your family crest.
Other resources:
- Get your official family crest here.
- Learn about heraldry at britannica.com
- See an introduction at wikipedia.com
