Surname Elton - Meaning and Origin

Elton: What does the surname Elton mean?

The last name Elton is derived from multiple origins including English, French, German, and Dutch.

In England and France, Elton originates from a place-name derived from Old English elements meaning “old settlement” or “Ella’s estate.” The Netherlands and Germany are more likely to have derived the name from a diminutive of a personal name such as Édel or Adel. Such names are compound names using the Old High German elements “adin” or “adalo”, meaning “noble” or “nobility.”

Over the centuries, the surname Elton has spread throughout the world. In France, the name is very common, while in Germany, the Netherlands, and other parts of Europe, it is also quite common. In the United States, the Elton surname is most likely to be of French origin.

The Elton surname may signify royalty, nobility, or aristocracy for some families. However, overall, it is largely thought to have derived from an old settlement or a personal name meaning “noble,” symbolizing strength and resilience. To this day, the Elton surname remains a popular surname, providing a sense of identity to those who bear it.

Elton: Where does the name Elton come from?

The last name Elton is most commonly found in Europe, particularly in the UK. Elton is derived from a place-name, and the family may have originated in the manor of Ilton in Somerset. It is also found in some other regions of Europe, such as Scandinavia, where it may be a variation of the Scandinavian surnames Aalton or Ehlton.

In the United States, Elton is the 8,718th most common surname. It is highest in popularity in North Carolina, where it is the 623rd most common surname. Elton is also common in England, where it is the 283rd most common name. It is also found in Australia, New Zealand, and Germany.

The popularity of the name varies depending on the region. In Scotland, it is the 654th most popular surname while in Wales it is the 1,150th most popular. In Ireland, the name is less common, ranking 7,207th most popular.

With the proliferation of online genealogy websites, it has become easier to trace the origin of last names. This is helpful for those interested in researching the background of the Elton surname. Additionally, the use of DNA tests can provide more information about the geographical origins of this surname.

Variations of the surname Elton

The surname Elton is known to have a number of variant spellings and surnames of the same origin. Some examples of common variant spellings include – Ellton, Eleton, Eltonne, Eltoun and Alton.

Other less common variations of the surname Elton include Elltun, Eltun, Elten, Ailton and Elotin.

The variations in spelling for this surname could be due to a number of reasons, with the most likely being inaccuracies in early record keeping. This is common during a time when many people were still illiterate or the spelling of names was an ever-changing matter.

The period when surnames were adopted could also affect how the spelling of the name developed, as this was based on who the original bearer was named after, e.g. an occupation, nickname or location.

It is also possible to find surname variations of the same origin which include – Ellt, Altonne, Eltons, Elsdon and Elston.

Elton is also a place name of English origins, and people with this surname may have originally come from the place.

From an Irish perspective, the surname Elton is derivative of the Gaelic name “O’Eltan” which translates to “descendant of Elton”. This name is derived from the personal name “Eltan”, which is a contraction of the Old English name “Aelfthaena”.

As a result of being spoken or written down incorrectly over the years, there are many different variants of the surname Elton from the original family.

Famous people with the name Elton

• Elton John: English singer, songwriter, pianist, and composer. He has sold more than 300 million records and has won five Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Tony Award.
• Josephine Elton: an English poet, editor, and journalist. She wrote and edited several poems and books including 'Tale of a Young Butterfly' and 'Pleasures of the Fancy'.
• David Elton: an American actor and writer. He has appeared in films such as 'Big Fish', 'Alice in Wonderland', and 'Kissing Jessica Stein'.
• John Elton: an English poet, playwright, and novelist. His works include the play 'Gomesius' and the novel 'Moonkbone'.
• Elizabeth Elton: an English writer and philanthropist. She wrote the books 'Sealed: Migration and the Making of a British People' and 'If We Must Die: Conflict and Reconciliation in South Africa's Shanty Towns'.
• Bob Elton: a British actor who has been in numerous television shows and films such as 'Midsomer Murders' and 'Carry On'.
• Catherine Elton: an American screenwriter, producer, and director. She has written, directed, and produced the films 'The Intern' and 'The Secret Life of Zoey'.
• Amelia Elton: a British model and reality star. She is best known for appearing on the television show 'Love Island'.
• Lawrence Elton: an Australian architect and urban planner. He is credited with the design of Vision City, a model urban development in Sydney.
• William Elton: a British mathematician and astronomer. He developed the Elton method of extrapolation with Herbert Wright in 1944.

Other surnames

Eltonhead