ELLISON
Also recorded as Ellis On
Ellison
The surname Ellison is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English personal name "Elli," meaning "other" or "foreign," combined with the suffix "son," denoting "son of." Therefore, Ellison signifies "son of Elli" or "son of the stranger." The name likely referred to someone from a different region or background.
Origins
The Ellison surname is prevalent in England, particularly in regions with a historical Norse influence such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Durham. The first records of the Ellison name date back to the medieval period in Northumberland and Yorkshire.
Notable Individuals
Several notable individuals have borne the surname Ellison, including English inventor and engineer Sir George Henry Elliot's son, also named George Henry Ellison. Another prominent figure is Ralph Waldo Ellison, an American novelist who gained fame for his novel "Invisible Man."
Heraldry
The Ellison family crest typically features a shield displaying symbols such as a white lion and a cross. These emblems symbolise strength, bravery, and a connection to Christian faith.
Modern Distribution
Today, the Ellison surname remains common in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and other English-speaking countries. The name has spread worldwide through migration and globalisation.
Variants
Variants of the Ellison surname include Elisson, Elisoun, Ellyson, and Elleson. Over time, spelling variations have emerged due to dialectal differences and phonetic changes.
In summary, the Ellison surname has a rich history originating from Old English roots and is associated with regions in England known for their Norse heritage. This surname continues to be passed down through generations, preserving its legacy and connection to family heritage.
There are approximately 10,102 people named Ellison in the UK. That makes it the 917th most common surname in Britain. Around 155 in a million people in Britain are named Ellison.
Surname type: From name of parent
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
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Richard
- Robert
- William
Female
- Elizabeth
- Jane
- Jean
- Joanne
- Julie
- Margaret
- Mary
- Sarah
- Susan
- Victoria
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.