ELVEY
Elvey
Historical Origins
Elvey is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old English personal name Aelfgifu, meaning 'elf gift'. The name can be traced back to the medieval period in England, with earliest recordings dating back to the 13th century.
Notable Bearers
Notable bearers of the Elvey surname include the following individuals:
- George Elvey (1816–1893) - A prominent English organist and composer, best known for his compositions of church music. He served as the organist of St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, and later as the Professor of Music at Oxford University.
- Sir Joseph Elvey (1781–1854) - A British musician and composer, known for his sacred compositions and organ works. He held the position of Organist and Master of the Choristers at New College, Oxford.
- Harold Elvey (1901–1983) - A British artist and illustrator, recognized for his contributions to the field of graphic design and illustration during the mid-20th century.
Modern Distribution
The surname Elvey remains relatively rare in modern times, with most occurrences found within the United Kingdom and its former territories. The name has retained its historical significance and continues to be passed down through generations of Elvey descendants.
There are approximately 235 people named Elvey in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around four in a million people in Britain are named Elvey.
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
- Frederick
- George
- Gordon
- Graham
- James
- John
- Kevin
- Martin
- Michael
- Paul
- Richard
Female
- Barbara
- Charlotte
- Claire
- Elaine
- Elizabeth
- Joanna
- Katherine
- Lorna
- Lorraine
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Rebecca
- Susan
- Sylvia