Surname Oliphant - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'O'
DNA Testing at iGENEA - An Unexpected Celtic Connection with the Oliphant Clan
Discovering unexpected Celtic roots through a DNA test at iGENEA, I explored my familial connection with the Oliphant clan. The result provided new insights about my ancestors, bringing a tectonic shift in my self-understanding and sense of identity.
F. Oliphant
read moreOliphant: What does the surname Oliphant mean?
The surname Oliphant originates from the Old Norse personal name "Óleifr" or the Old Danish personal name "Olaf," which means "ancestor's relic." It also has roots in the Middle English word "Olifant," an elephant, but more specifically, it referred to a hunting horn made from an elephant's tusk. It is a metonymic occupational name for someone who carved or sold these hunting horns. As a Scottish surname, Oliphant is linked to a clan which was established in the 12th century. Members of the clan claim descent from David de Olifard, who came to Scotland from England with King David I and performed deeds of valor during battles. Historical records suggest the name first appeared in Northamptonshire, England. The name moved north into Scotland with the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Oliphant clan played a significant role in Scotland's history, particularly in relation to the preservation of Stirling Castle and the town's defense during invasion attempts. Despite its many variations, such as Olifard, Oliphard, and Olyfaunt, the meaning remains consistent.
Order DNA origin analysisOliphant: Where does the name Oliphant come from?
The last name Oliphant is most commonly found in Scotland, where it originates from. This surname is thought to have come from an old territorial land title held by a noble family belonging to Clan Oliphant in Angus, Scotland. This family was established early in the 12th century and held their status through a father-to-son succession until the late 18th century.
Today, Oliphant is still a common surname in Scotland, where it remains the 602nd most common last name. Interestingly, it is also present in Canada, most notably in Ontario and British Columbia; however due to the large amount of Scottish emigration, this is likely to be the original source of the name.
In the United States, Oliphant is the 5133rd most common surname. It can largely be found in the Midwestern region of the country, particularly in Wisconsin, Indiana and Iowa. Here, Oliphant is often capitalised as O'Liphant and this version can also be found in locations such as South Africa, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.
Variations of the surname Oliphant
The surname Oliphant is an Anglicised version of the French-Norman name Leuphane, derived from the Old French word "leuf", which from Germanic origin means "proud", and "phant" meaning "face". It is also alternatively spelt as Olifant which is derived from the Middle Dutch root "olifante" or "oliphan"(from Latin "oliphantus"). The surname has been present in Scotland since the late 16th century and can also be found in England, Ireland, and France.
Variants of the surname Oliphant include Olephant, Ollifant, Ollifaunt, Olifaunt, Olifant and Olliphant and in France and Normandy, the surname is spelt Leuphane, Luphane and Lefane. Surnames with similar origins include Oliphant, Olifant, and Ollifont.
In Scotland, variations of the name include Oliphaunt, Olliphaunt, Oliver, Olliver, Oliphant, Olifant, Ollipt, Olliph, Olliff, Olifer, Olliver, Olliffer, Oliford, Ollieford, Oliphant.
In Ireland, several variations exist such as Olifant, Ollifant, Ollifaunte, Olifaunt, Olfant and Liffan and Liffant. Some variations of the name in France include Lefan, Lefane, Leufan, Leuphone, Lufan, Lupane, Luphan, Ollifant, Ollifaunt, and Ollifont.
The surname Oliphant may also have variants in Germany such as Oliphont or Olifant, and in The Netherlands the surname is spelled as Olifant.
Source: https://www.houseofnames.com/oliphant-family-crest
Famous people with the name Oliphant
- Laurence Oliphant: English-born novelist, explorer, and spiritualist who made important contributions to the Balkans and its people
- Alex Oliphant: Scottish actor, author, and political activist
- Mark Oliphant: Australian physicist and Governor of South Australia
- Maggie Oliphant: American children's book author
- Margaret Oliphant: Scottish novelist and historical writer
- Mungo Oliphant: Scottish architect
- Dave Oliphant: American jazz historian
- Charlotte Oliphant: Scottish poet and hymnwriter
- John Oliphant: Bishop of Dunblane
- Keith Oliphant: American Constitutional Law professor
- Sophia Oliphant: Baroness of Moray in Scotland
- Matilda Oliphant: Leading light of the American spiritualism Movement in the 19th century
- Edwin Oliphant: American Methodist minister
- Bryant Oliphant: American professional baseball player
- Marvel Oliphant: American singer-songwriter
- LaWana Oliphant: Canadian politician
- Melissa Oliphant: American reality television personality
- Lachlan Oliphant: Australian Football League player
- Pauline Oliphant: Australian politician
- Donald Oliphant: Scottish recipient of the Victoria Cross, a military decoration for valour in the face of the enemy
- Lesley Oliphant: Canadian poet.