Surname Ellam - Meaning and Origin

Ellam: What does the surname Ellam mean?

The last name Ellam is of English origins and is thought to be a variant of the name Ellam. Ellam is thought to be an occupational name and is derived from the Old English word “aelf” which means elf or supernatural being and the Old English word “ham” which means settlement or home. Thus, the surname Ellam would literally mean “dweller of the elf home”.

The surname Ellam is most commonly found in northern parts of England such as Yorkshire, Lancashire and Derbyshire. This suggests that the family originally may have come from these northern areas and likely lived in a home near a forest or other remote location often associated with supernatural folklore and beings.

The Ellam family is a part of English medieval history and is widely known for its members who were educated and prominent in the clergy or in politics. Notable members of the family include Sir William Ellam, a renowned lawyer of the sixteenth century who served in the court of King Henry VIII. The Ellam family also played a role in the civil war of 1640 when members of the Ellam family serve in the military.

The Ellam name is nothing short of illustrious, as it continues to be a representation of a devoted and tenacious family that has been handed down through generations. This name carries with it pride and a warm sense of belonging thus making those who bear this name a part of a very special and unique family.

Ellam: Where does the name Ellam come from?

Today, the last name Ellam is most common in the United Kingdom. According to British resources, the population with this surname in the UK is estimated to be around 1,500 and the majority are concentrated in the north of the country. It is recorded to be most common in Lancashire, South Yorkshire and Northamptonshire. Other areas with a significant population include Greater London, the Midlands and West Yorkshire.

Outside of the UK, Ellam is rarely found. Records show a small presence of this surname in Australia and the United States. In Australia, census records indicate that it’s most commonly found in New South Wales and Victoria, while in the US, it’s most common in California, Texas and Florida.

The origin of the Ellam name is said to derive from the Old English word "helm" which means "a protector or protector of land." This typical Anglo-Saxon surname has become more popular over the years, as bearers of the name have migrated from Britain to other parts of the world. Today, Ellam is still a fairly uncommon name, however its presence in the UK is notable.

Variations of the surname Ellam

The surname Ellam is derived from the Old English personal name ‘Elm’, and can be found in a variety of spellings and variants. The most common of these are Ellam, Ellom, Ellomme and Ellem.

The earliest recorded spelling of Ellam originates from the Yorkshire Poll Tax records of 1379, which records one Johannes de Elomme paying the tax.

Several records from the 1600’s also feature various spelling variants of the name. These include Ellome, Ellem, Elham, and Elome. It is believed that these spelling variants were due to the folk etymology of the time, which placed a more pronounced emphasis on vowel sounds.

In more recent years, Ellam has become an increasingly common surname in many parts of the world. In British records of the 19th and early 20th centuries, the surname can be found in many spellings, including Ellem, Ellome, Ellam, Elomme, Ellim, Eliomme, Elom, Ellham and Ellamme.

Surnames derived from the original Ellam surname include Ellem, Elllom, Allam, Allom and Allamme. These are primarily found in the southern and west coast regions of England, where the name was first made popular.

In the United States, the name has taken on an Americanized spelling of Ellem, which is still fairly common today. Some rare North American spellings include Ellim and Ellwood.

Overall, the surname Ellam has travelled far and wide throughout the world, taking on various spellings and variants over the centuries. This makes it a true testament to the ways in which surnames can change and evolve over time.

Famous people with the name Ellam

• Matthew Ellam: a professional British actor known for his roles in films such as Flashing Lights and Bouquet of Barbed Wire, television series such as Silent Witness, and stage productions such as the Nuffield Theatre.
• Richard Ellam: a radio presenter and former professional footballer who retired in 2008 after playing with Walsall F.C., Notts County F.C., and Sunderland A.F.C.
• St. John Ellam: a former British Army officer who served in the Life Guards regiment and the tribute band The Bootleg Beatles.
• Pierre Ellam: a French actor and theater director who has acted in shows such as Les Enfants du Paradis, La Princesse de Clèves, and Dialogues des Carmélites.
• Clive Ellam: a rock musician from the 1970s and early 1980s who has performed with acts such as the Searchers, MCA, and The Rolling Stones.
• David Ellam: a former member of the English National Opera Chorus who has sung in productions such as La Bohème and The Magic Flute.
• Andrew Ellam: a professional British photographer whose work has been featured on the covers of numerous magazines, including Vogue and Cosmopolitan.
• Hy Ellam: a British singer whose debut album "One of a Kind" was released in 2009 and featured a collaboration with the Jools Holland Orchestra.
• Cara Ellam: a violinist and music tutor who has performed with several successful musical acts, such as Men at Work, songwriter Jonathan Coulton, and the All American Rejects.

Other surnames

Ellard