A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Elwood family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 1604 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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 gu. a lion ramp. issuant or”
YorkYork, c. 1620
Where the Elwood Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Elwood arms are recorded
The Elwood arms were recorded in York, c. 1620.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried arms.
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 Elwood 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 York.
Origin & History of the Elwood Family in England
The name Elwood finds its roots in the northern regions of England, where it emerged as a descriptive identifier for families living near specific landmarks. The name is derived from the Old English words for an elder tree and a wooded area, suggesting that the earliest bearers likely resided near a prominent grove of elder trees. By the year 1620, records confirm that members of the Elwood family were well-established in the city of York. During this period, York served as a vital northern hub for trade and administration, and families like the Elwoods often participated in the local merchant guilds or agricultural life of the surrounding countryside. This early presence in such a significant historical city indicates that the family was integrated into the social and economic fabric of northern England long before the name spread to other parts of the world.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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 chev. gu. betw. three shamrocks slipped vert as many bezants, on a chief of the second a demi lion or”
MayoMayo, c. 1645
Where the Elwood Arms Were Recorded
Mayo
Map of Ireland showing where the Elwood arms are recorded
The Elwood arms were recorded in Mayo, c. 1645.
Mayo was poor western Irish country of bog and mountain, held by a small number of old families. Land changed hands rarely there, and families who held on appear 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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Elwood 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 Mayo.
Origin & History of the Elwood Family in Ireland
The Elwood family name in Ireland is deeply rooted in the history of County Mayo, where records confirm their presence as early as 1645. The name is generally considered to be of English origin, likely derived from a place name meaning an elder tree wood. During the seventeenth century, individuals bearing this name settled in the west of Ireland, often as part of the broader movement of English settlers during a period of significant political and social transition. Over the following generations, the family became well-established within the local community, transitioning from newcomers to landowners and participants in the regional administration of Mayo. Their history reflects the complex patterns of migration and land settlement that defined the Irish landscape during the mid-seventeenth century, marking the start of a long-standing connection to the province of Connacht.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ella-wudu
Old English words for elder tree and wood or forest.
This name
ElwoodDerived from a place name meaning a forest of elder trees.
also spelled
Elwode
Related arms
Ellwoodsame arms
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Records: Probate Records and Parish Registers, 1620
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
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
