Surname Elphinstone - Meaning and Origin
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Elphinstone: What does the surname Elphinstone mean?
The last name Elphinstone is a Scottish surname originating from the Ancient Barony of Elphinstone in West Lothian. The name is believed to be of Anglo-Saxon origins, derived from the Old English "aelf" and "tun", meaning a "settlement of elves". Although the exact date of origin of the surname is unknown, one of the earliest recorded Elphinstones was John de Elfinstun, who was mentioned in the writings of the monk Roger de Hoveden in 1194.
The Elphinstone family had been prominent since then, and were subsequently granted titles and lands by the crown. They even established a town of their own, Elphinstone, in Midlothian in 1430. They also achieved nobility and knighthood, joining the ranks of the Scottish nobility.
The Elphinstones were also involved in politics and religion. In 1590, for example, John Elphinstone served as the Moderator of the Scottish General Assembly. In 1711, Alexander Elphinstone became the Bishop of Caithness.
Today, the Elphinstone surname is still quite common in Scotland, but is also found among Scottish descendants around the world. It is seen as a sign of strength, courage, loyalty, and a sense of pride and dignity. No matter the location, the Elphinstone name still carries the same values of distinction, valor, and honor that it has held for centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisElphinstone: Where does the name Elphinstone come from?
The last name Elphinstone is a Scottish name, originating from the Old English term for a stone where elves played. It is most commonly found in northern Scotland, although there are some instances of it elsewhere in the United Kingdom. It is also found in Scotland's former colonies in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
In the United States, Elphinstone is a rare surname, appearing in only a handful of states. The highest concentration of Elphinstone families nationwide appears to be in New York, where records from the early 1900s indicate they first settled following emigration from Scotland. From there, some Elphinstones migrated westward, populating the Midwest with their name. A number of Elphinstone families residing in California can trace their roots back to Scotland, but it is believed that much of this population is the result of more recent emigration from the UK.
Outside of the UK and the US, Elphinstone is relatively uncommon. That being said, there are a few locations where the name continues to be employed, such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Additionally, Elphinstone is relatively popular in India, where it is an anglicized version of a common Indian surname, Elpindina.
In conclusion, the last name Elphinstone can be found today primarily in the UK, the US, and a few locations where Scotland has had a historical presence such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and India.
Variations of the surname Elphinstone
The surname Elphinstone can also be spelled as Elphingstone, Elphinston, and Eliphinstone. This last spelling, Eliphinstone, is a variant of this surname.
The Elphinstone surname originated in Scotland. Its actual etymology is derived from two separate personal names: Elphin and stone. Elphin was a variation of the Celtic name Alma, which meant noble, while stone was a byname for someone who lived near a boulder. Combined, these two elements of the name likely referred to a person who was noble and lived near a boulder.
Various records have pointed to its earliest known bearer being William de Elphantstoun, or William of Elphinstone. He was recorded in Studies of the Ancient Family of Elphinstone, a book by William Fraser. The surname was adopted by families associated with the Clan Lothian, in particular the Elphingstone branch.
Throughout history, the Elphinstone surname has been adopted by many people from different regions and given various spellings. One of the most common variants of the surname is Elphinstone, though other variants include Elphingstone, Elphinston, and Eliphinstone, among others.
The surname has also been adopted by other families over time, and these variant spellings have also been used to help trace the surname’s history. The surname is still found in Scotland today, with many bearers going by Elphinstone, Elphingstone, Elphinston, and Eliphinstone.
Famous people with the name Elphinstone
- Molly Elphinstone: British journalist and author
- Francis Elphinstone: British colonial administrator in India
- Charles Elphinstone: 18th-century Scottish politician
- John Elphinstone: 15th-century Scottish ecclesiastic
- Hugh Elphinstone: a leading British composer and violinist of the Romantic era
- John Elphinstone, 15th Lord Elphinstone: a British peer and politician
- Marjorie Elphinstone: an English portrait painter in the 19th century
- John Elphinstone, 11th Lord Elphinstone: a Scottish nobleman
- Donald Elphinstone: a 16th-century Scottish soldier and diplomat
- George Elphinstone, 6th Lord Elphinstone: an officer in the British Army in the 19th century
- Robert Elphinstone, 10th Lord Elphinstone: a Scottish politician