Ellis Coat of Arms & Family Crest
Where the Ellis name began, what it means, and where it was first recorded.
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Origin of the Ellis name
Ellis comes from the medieval given name Elis, the vernacular form of Elias, the Greek form of the Hebrew prophet Elijah, "my God is Yahweh". The name spread with the Crusades and was especially popular in Wales, where it was also used for the native name Elisedd. Ellis is common in Wales, England and the United States.
Our historical archives hold much more on the Ellis name: dates, names and records of early bearers.
This overview covers the Ellis name in Wales & England. We also hold records of the name in other countries, such as the United States, England and Australia; your full pack is researched for your family's country of origin.
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Your full Ellis pack adds the researched history, early records and migration. Order your pack and our heraldry team researches and paints the Ellis coat of arms for you.
Ellis name FAQ
What does the Ellis name mean?
From Elias ("my God is Yahweh"). Common variants include Elis, Elliss, Ellison.
Where does the Ellis surname come from?
It originates in Wales & England, and is also found in the United States, England and Australia.
Is there a Ellis coat of arms?
Arms were granted to individuals, not whole surnames, so there is no single Ellis crest. Herald Lab paints a personalized Ellis coat of arms based on historic heraldry.
Researched by Herald Lab Research Studio, since 1993. Sources: Reaney & Wilson, Dictionary of English Surnames; Dictionary of American Family Names (Oxford); US Census Bureau 2010.