Surname Elks - Meaning and Origin
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Elks: What does the surname Elks mean?
The surname Elks comes from English Anglo-Saxon origins, and is an occupational name that is believed to have originated as a nickname for someone who trained elks. The elk was a large deer-like mammal that was found in England and Europe until the Middle Ages, and was often used for hunting and in the man-made forests that were first established in Europe. The word elk can also be derived from Old English words like ‘elcen’ or ‘elchen’, both of which mean ‘elk’.
The surname Elks can also be derived from a combination of the words ‘eolh’ and ‘hege’, which translate to ‘wild goat’ and ‘hedge’ respectively in Old English. This could suggest that people with this surname were involved in shepherding goats and erecting hedgerows. It is probable that the Elks surname derived from an ancestor whose job was associated with these activities, or a nickname for someone who was particularly skilled in this area.
Either way, the Elks surname is steeped in history and is a reminder of the long-standing relationship between people and animals in many cultures in Europe. It is likely that the people with this surname today can trace their heritage back to an ancestor or ancestors who had an important role to play in their local community, or were highly respected for their animal management abilities.
Order DNA origin analysisElks: Where does the name Elks come from?
The last name Elks is most commonly found in England, particularly in North-West England, as well as in the US. It is an Anglicised version of a surname originating from Northern Ireland, estimated to have first been used in the late 1600s. In Scotland, the Elks surname is not as common, although it has been found in some records.
The origin of the Elks surname is unclear, though some indicate it is a variant of the surname Elk, which was first recorded in Northumberland, England, in 1227. Other theories propose the Elks name is a shortened form of the Old English name Egles or Egleska, which could have been given to people who lived in an area rich with goose and swan populations.
In the US, the Elks surname is especially noticeable in the state of Kentucky, as well as in some Southern states, like Virginia and North Carolina. It is also present in California and Ohio, albeit in much smaller numbers. Those bearing the Elks surname are likely the descendants of immigrants who arrived in the US either directly from England, or indirectly from Northern Ireland in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Today, Elks is a relatively uncommon surname; however, it can still be found, mainly in the aforementioned locations.
Variations of the surname Elks
The most commonly accepted variants and spellings of the surname Elks stem from anglicized spellings of the old German or Dutch surname Elke.
The surname Elks can be found spelled as Elk, Elkes, Elke, Elx, Elks, or Elck, and also Elke's for possessive.
Historically, members of the Dutch and German Elke family often took on the spelling of the Dutch name Elk to emphasize their familial ties. A more modern version of the surname, Elx, includes an “x” in the spelling, which may be traced to a misspelling of the letter “k.”
The chiefly Dutch/German Elke surname is descended from the Slavic name Lʹk, which means “field” or “meadow.” It is thought that the surname Elke was adopted by peasants living in the area, which is now part of Germany and Holland.
Variations of Elks that can be traced to different countries include Holck in Denmark, Elks in Estonia and the United Kingdom, and Elck in France. Other slight spelling variations of the surname Elks include Ellks, Vlks, Hilks, and Elkis.
Elks is also a frequently given name in some parts of the United States. Surnames that have been changed from Elks include Hox, Elksen, Elck, Eller, Elk, Elgen, Elkens, v. Elk, Elkner, Elka, Elkeman, and Elkmann.
It is important to remember that many surnames have variations due to cultural assimilation and immigration. With further research, one may even uncover the origin of their surname and its geolocation–specific variations.
Famous people with the name Elks
- John Elks: English musician
- David Elks: American professional wrestler, semi-retired
- Harry Elks: American Vietnam War veteran and business owner
- Jean Elk: Canadian actress
- Eva Elks: American reality television personality
- Dick Elks: English Royal Air Force veteran and recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross
- Max Elks: British actor and film director
- Clyde Elks: American football player
- Michael Elks: English footballer
- Paul Elks: American philanthropist