During the Muromachi period, the head family of the Takanashi, Yamada Takanashi, Nakamura Takanashi and Ebe Takanashi were called the four families of Takanashi (from 'the history of Kamitakai').
室町時代には、高梨惣領家と山田高梨・中村高梨・江部高梨を併せて高梨四家と呼ばれていたと記されている（「上高井歴史」より）。