A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Elwin family of England.
Reg. 6146 · 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”
NorfolkThorpe · Norfolk, c. 1620
Where the Elwin Arms Were Recorded
Norfolk
Map of England showing where the Elwin arms are recorded
The Elwin 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 Elwin 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 Elwin Family in England
The name Elwin originates from the Old English personal name Ælfwine, which translates to "elf friend." This name was popular in Anglo-Saxon England and eventually evolved into a hereditary surname as families began adopting fixed names during the Middle Ages. By the early 17th century, the Elwin family had established a notable presence in the county of Norfolk. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the family were living in this region, where they were often involved in local agriculture and trade. Over time, the name became deeply rooted in the social fabric of East Anglia, reflecting the long history of families who settled in the fertile lands of Norfolk and contributed to the development of their local communities for generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ælfwine
Old English elements meaning elf and friend.
This name
ElwinA name signifying a friend of the elves or a magical friend.
also spelled
Elwyn
Elwynn
Ellwyn
Elwyne
Related arms
Ellwynvariant spelling
Elwyn, Elwynn, or Elwinvariant spelling
Elwynevariant spelling
Belialdrecorded with Elwin, same area
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
Norfolk Record Office, Parish registers and manorial records for the county of Norfolk, 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
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
