Elton

Elton is an English surname of Anglo-Saxon origin with variations including "Ellton" and "Elten". The surname is of locational origin, derived from the Old English word "ælaw-tun", meaning "the settlement by the river meadow". As a toponymic surname, it was often given to individuals who lived in or near a place called Elton or Alwinton.

Notable Individuals:

  • Sir Watkin Elton: A prominent 19th-century British lawyer and judge.
  • Ben Elton: A renowned British comedian, author, playwright, and television director.
  • Sir Geoffrey Elton: A distinguished historian known for his works on Tudor England.

Coat of Arms:

The Elton family coat of arms typically features symbols such as a shield with a river meadow, denoting the location from which the surname is derived. The design may also incorporate elements representing honour, loyalty, or other traditional heraldic symbols.

Distribution:

The surname Elton is most commonly found in England, particularly in regions associated with its historical origins. Over time, Elton families have also spread to other parts of the world through emigration and migration patterns.

Variants:

Variants of the surname Elton include Ellton, Elten, and Alwinton. These variations reflect the evolution of the name over centuries and may differ based on regional dialects and influences.

Legacy:

The surname Elton carries a rich historical legacy, connecting individuals to their ancestral roots and the communities from which they originated. Through the notable figures who have borne this name and the diverse branches of the Elton family tree, the surname has become an integral part of British heritage and identity.

There are approximately 1,828 people named Elton in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,531st most common surname in Britain. Around 28 in a million people in Britain are named Elton.

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
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Robert

Female

  • Brenda
  • Elizabeth
  • Hayley
  • Helen
  • Jacqueline
  • Jane
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Nicola
  • Pamela
  • Patricia
  • Rebecca
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.