Surname Egelston - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'E'
Egelston: What does the surname Egelston mean?
The surname Egelston is of English origin and, like many English surnames, it is believed to be topographical or locational in nature. The name may derive from a place named Egglestone, Eggleston, or Eagleton in England. Given that the 'Eggle' part of the name could be derived from an Old Germanic personal name 'Egilo', and 'ton' or 'tun' is a common ending in English place names meaning settlement or enclosure, the surname Egelston could potentially mean 'Egilo's settlement'. As with any surname, the exact meaning could be different depending on the family's history and regional origin. The variations in the spelling of the name are likely the result of phonetic spelling in historical records where literacy was not widespread.
Order DNA origin analysisEgelston: Where does the name Egelston come from?
The surname Egelston is of Anglo-Saxon origin, originating from England, specifically from the town of Egglestone in County Durham. It is believed to be a topographic name for someone who lived near a conspicuous oak tree or in an oak wood. The name itself combines two Old English words - "ecg", which is commonly associated with edge or a ridge, and "stan" which means stone.
As for its prevalence today, it is quite a rare surname. In the United States, where surnames of English origin are common due to historical migration patterns, the name Egelston can occasionally be encountered. However, it is not among the top common surnames in any country currently. Due to the nature of surnames and their spread due to migration, it could be present anywhere in the world, but its occurrence is not concentrated in any particular geographic location. Public records show a greater number of individuals with the surname Egelston in the states of New York, Michigan, and California, although the number of individuals is still relatively small.
Please note that the spelling of surnames can often change over time and vary in different geographies due to various historical and cultural factors. Variations of the name Egelston may include Eggleston, Egglestone, Egleston and others.
Ultimately, the best way to understand a specific family's surname and its history is through genealogical research.
Variations of the surname Egelston
The surname Egelston may vary in spelling and pronunciation based on geographic location and individual modifications over time for various reasons. Some other spellings of Egelston might include Eggleston, Egleston, Eagleton, Egglestone, Eagelston, and Egglestun.
This surname appears to be of English origin, possibly deriving from a place named Egglestone in County Durham, England. Hence, surnames such as Eggleston, Egliston, or Eccleston may be related to this origin.
Older spellings like Egglestune or Eggelston could also be possibilities, tracing back to Middle English. The surname components "Eggle" or "Eagle" might relate to an Old English personal name "Ecgel," and "stone" or "tun" refers to a settlement or town.
The surname also may have been changed slightly upon immigration, so variations could also exist in countries where English is not the first language. It's also important to note that all these variations may not directly relate to each other, as surnames can share similar components but originate independently.
Famous people with the name Egelston
- The surname Egelston does not appear to be highly common among famous people. However, a few notable individuals are associated with this last name.
- Thomas Egelston (1832–1908): He was an American industrialist, engineer, philanthropist and educator, notable for his contribution in the establishment of Columbia University's School of Mines.
- Alfred Stillman Egelston (1858-1915): He was a notable American civil engineer and railroad executive. Please note that fame is subjective and depends on one's own knowledge of different fields and industries; therefore, this list might not include all famous persons with the last name Egelston. In other cases, those named Egelston might be more regionally well-known or accomplished in smaller professional circles or communities.