Elyott History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
A family in the Pictish tribe of ancient Scotland was the first to use the name Elyott. They lived in Liddesdale and Teviotdale where the family has a long and distinguished history dating back to the early Middle Ages. The name is actually derived from the Old English personal name Elwald or Aelfwald, but this name is now all but extinct as a personal name.
"A William Aliot came into England with the Conqueror, and the name seems to be connected with Alis and Ellis." 
Early Origins of the Elyott family
The surname Elyott was first found in Liddesdale, and Teviotdale. Although originally from Elliott, a village near Forfar, this Clan was persuaded by the Douglases to move south to help defend the border in 1396. There they became one of the most influential clans. Some of the notable personalities were "Archie Fire the Braes," "Hob of the Park," "Little Jock of the Park," "Jock Half Lugs," "Jock A'God's Name," "Gibbe Wi' the Gowden Gartens."
Early History of the Elyott family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Elyott research. Another 141 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1499, 1546, 1898, 1592, 1632, 1636, 1668, 1604, 1690, 1612, 1685, 1640, 1665, 1714, 1700, 1670, 1797 and are included under the topic Early Elyott History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Elyott Spelling Variations
In medieval Scotland, names were more often spelled according to sound than any regular set of rules. An enormous number of spelling variations were the result. Over the years, the name Elyott has been spelled Elliott, Elliot, Eliot, Eliott, Ellegett, Ellegot, Ellecot, Ellacott, Ellacot, Ellgate, Ellett, Ellit and many more.
Early Notables of the Elyott family (pre 1700)
Notable amongst the Clan at this time was Sir John Eliot (1592-1632), an English statesman who was serially imprisoned in the Tower of London by King Charles I for advocating the rights and privileges of Parliament; George Elliott (ca. 1636-1668), English surgeon to the Earl of Teviot's Regiment; John Eliot (c. 1604-1690), English Puritan missionary to the American Indians from Widford, Hertfordshire; John Eliot...
Migration of the Elyott family to Ireland
Some of the Elyott family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Migration of the Elyott family
In such difficult times, Ireland, Australia, and North America looked like better homes for many Scots. The trips were expensive and grueling, but also rewarding, as the colonies were havens for those unwelcome in the old country. That legacy did not die easily, though, and many were forced to fight for their freedom in the American War of Independence. The Scottish legacy has resurface in more recent times, though, through Clan societies, highland games, and other organizations. Immigration and passenger lists have shown many early immigrants bearing the old Scottish name of Elyott: Lewis Ellett who settled in Virginia in 1721; Margeret Ellgate settled in Barbados in 1635; Michael Elligot settled in Quebec in 1825; George, Hugh, Joseph, Robert, and Thomas Elliott settled in Philadelphia between 1800 and 1840.
The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.
Motto: Fortiter et recte
Motto Translation: Rightly and Boldly