Surname Eliott - Meaning and Origin

Eliott: What does the surname Eliott mean?

The last name Eliott is an English surname that has several possible roots. It is associated with the Norman-French personal names “Aylard” and “Hélie”. Both of these names, derived from the German “Aegilward,” mean “from the island of the elder tree.” The surname could additionally have been derived from Old French words “elève” or “elu,” both of which mean “the chosen one.”

The Eliots are believed to have originated in Brittany, France, in the 11th century. They quickly became one of the most influential noble families in England. An influential branch of the family was established in England in the 13th century, establishing itself in East Devon, where there is now a small town called Eliott.

Many famous Eliots have emerged over the centuries. Dr. Thomas Eliott, a leading figure in English medicine during the Restoration period, was one of the first to publish a medical book detailing treatments for a wide range of ailments. The Eliots have also produced a number of prominent politicians, from Sir James Eliott in the 1600s to former finance minister, Jonathan Eliott.

Today, the Eliots are a global family, having spread throughout the world. They are represented in many countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. The Eliots are a conglomerate of individuals who share the same origin, but have achieved success in many different areas, from politics to the arts, continuing to be respected and renowned achievers into the modern day.

Eliott: Where does the name Eliott come from?

The last name Eliott is most commonly found in the United States. The name is especially prevalent in certain regions such as the northern states, the Southwest and California, with Montana boasting the highest concentration of Eliotts. It is also found in certain parts of Scotland and Canada.

The surname Eliott is among the ten most common surnames of Scotland and is associated with Clan Elliot in the Scottish Borders, though its origin is uncertain. Researchers suggest the name may have originated in the Middle Eastern region of Tyre due to its resemblance to the Hebrew and Phoenician word 'Elijah', meaning 'my God is Yahweh.'

In the United States, Eliott is a relatively new arrival. The first to bear the name was Francis Eliot of Massachusetts, who arrived with the Pilgrims in 1620. It is likely that Francis was related to the Eliot family of Devonshire, England, who can trace their ancestry back to the Norman Conquest in 1066.

As of the most recent US census in 2020, there were over 40,000 people in the U.S. with the surname Eliott, making it the 637th most popular name in the country. Texas, California and Pennsylvania are the states with the most Eliotts.

The surname Eliott continues to retain its popularity in both the United States and Scotland. Whether it has ancient Middle Eastern roots or a direct line of descent from the Norman Conquest, the last name of Eliott is proudly carried by many families in the present day.

Variations of the surname Eliott

The surname Eliott is a patronymic name meaning "son of Eli" and originating from the Hebrew name "Eliyahu," or "Eliyah." Variants of the name include Elliot, Elliott, Eliott, and Elyot. Spellings can range from the more traditional Elliot to the more modern spelling Elliot. Surnames that are related to Eliott are Elliotson, Elliotstein, Elliotts and Elwood.

This surname is very common in Scotland, England, Canada, Australia and the United States. According to US Census data, Elliot was the 356th most common surname between 2000 and 2010. The name is also popular among members of the Jewish faith, and is believed to originate from the Middle East or Spain.

Variants of the name Eliott can be found throughout history, with some notable figures sharing this surname. The Victorian soldier General Peter Eliott, the writer George Eliott, the visual artist J.M.W. Eliott and the jazz musician Steve Eliott being some of the most famous Eliotts.

The name Eliott has numerous spelling variations, its popularity throughout the English-speaking world and its many famous adoptees give the surname an international presence that continues to this day.

Famous people with the name Eliott

• Denholm Elliott: English actor known for his role in Raiders of The Lost Ark and A Room With A View.
• Maggie Elliott: American author and journalist with many religious works to her name.
• Daniel Eliott: American prosthetic designer who designed the original artificial foot.
• Max Eliott: West Indian cricketer who scored first century in Test cricket for the West Indies team.
• Cinthia Elliott: American former model and wife of Max Eliott.
• Emily Eliott: Canadian scholar and professor.
• Sydney Eliott: Canadian writer, playwright and actor.
• James Eliott: British academic, theorist and professor of Strategic Management at the London School of Business.
• Richard Eliott: Former Australian footballer and coach.
• Peter Eliott: British politician for Liberal Democrats who held a seat for Canterbury in the 1990s.

Other surnames

Eliot