Show ContentsElkyn History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Elkyn family

The surname Elkyn was first found in Oxfordshire where Elekin (without surname) was listed in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273. 1 2 The Feet of Fines for Essex listed John Elekyn there in 1310 and later Thomas Elkyns was listed in Oxfordshire in 1447. 2

Early History of the Elkyn family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Elkyn research. Another 82 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1310, 1447, 1455 and 1487 are included under the topic Early Elkyn History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Elkyn Spelling Variations

Until the dictionary, an invention of only the last few hundred years, the English language lacked any comprehensive system of spelling rules. Consequently, spelling variations in names are frequently found in early Anglo-Saxon and later Anglo-Norman documents. One person's name was often spelled several different ways over a lifetime. The recorded variations of Elkyn include Elkins, Elkyns, Ellkins, Ellkens, Elkens, Elekins, Elekins, Elekyns, Elkin and many more.

Early Notables of the Elkyn family

More information is included under the topic Early Elkyn Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Elkyn family

Thousands of English families boarded ships sailing to the New World in the hope of escaping the unrest found in England at this time. Although the search for opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad took the lives of many because of the cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels, the opportunity perceived in the growing colonies of North America beckoned. Many of the settlers who survived the journey went on to make important contributions to the transplanted cultures of their adopted countries. The Elkyn were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: Jacob Jacobson Elkins who arrived in New York in 1633; Henry Elkins who settled in Boston in 1635; Isaac Elkins who settled in Alabama in 1849; George Elkins who arrived in San Francisco in 1850.



  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)


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