ELLINGHAM
Ellingham
The surname Ellingham traces its origins to England, specifically to Norfolk and Suffolk, where the name is most prevalent. It is of habitational origin, derived from the Old English words 'elling' meaning 'people of the elder trees' and 'ham' meaning 'homestead' or 'enclosure'. As such, Ellingham likely referred to an individual who resided in a place where elder trees grew abundantly.
The earliest recorded instance of the Ellingham surname dates back to the 13th century in Norfolk. Over the centuries, the name has spread to various parts of England and beyond, with notable Ellingham families establishing themselves in different regions.
The name Ellingham may have undergone variations in spelling over time, such as Ellington, Ellyngam, and Elingham. As with many surnames, spelling variations occurred due to factors like regional accents, illiteracy, and clerical errors.
Prominent individuals bearing the Ellingham surname have contributed to various fields, from academics and business to the arts and politics. The name continues to be borne by many families across the United Kingdom and beyond.
In contemporary times, genealogical research and genetic testing have aided individuals with the Ellingham surname in tracing their ancestry and connecting with relatives around the world. The name's historical significance and geographical concentration in Norfolk and Suffolk have also fuelled interest in local history and heritage.
Overall, the Ellingham surname is an integral part of British onomastics, reflecting the rich tapestry of the nation's linguistic and cultural heritage.
There are approximately 1,177 people named Ellingham in the UK. That makes it roughly the 6,507th most common surname in Britain. Around 18 in a million people in Britain are named Ellingham.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- Harvey
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
Female
- Deborah
- Joan
- Joanne
- Jodie
- Linda
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Morag
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Sharon
- Susan
- Zoe
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.