Elton History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  England 


Of all the Anglo-Saxon names to come from Britain, Elton is one of the most ancient. The name is a result of the original family having lived in the village of Elton, which was in the county of Cheshire.

Early Origins of the Elton family

The surname Elton was first found in Cheshire, at Elton, a village and civil parish which dates back to the Domesday Book where it was listed as Eltone. 1

There are at least five other villages named Elton scattered throughout Britain but this locale seems to be the oldest. The name has various different origins, but the most prominent meaning is "farmstead where eels are caught." Others include: "farmstead of the princes;" "farmstead of a man called Ella;" and "farmstead associated with a man called AEthel."

The Helston variant hails from the town so named in Cornwall. "The origin of Helston town is equally as uncertain. Mr. Polwhele intimates, that Helston was not unknown as a town so early as the landing of Cesar upon the British shores. 'Helles-ton or Hellas-ton,' says Hals, 'hath upon the north and east Gwendron, west, Sithney and the Loe Pool, south, Mawgan and Gunwallo. As for the first name it signifies a broad hall or college town ; or a town which had a large hall, a palace, court, or manor." 2

Early History of the Elton family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Elton research. Another 77 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1618, 1649, 1650, 1654, 1679, 1710, 1711, 1719, 1720, 1722, 1724, 1727, 1728 and 1742 are included under the topic Early Elton History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Elton Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Elton has been spelled many different ways, including Elton, Eltone, Helton, Ellton and others.

Early Notables of the Elton family

Notables of this surname at this time include:

Elton Ranking

In the United States, the name Elton is the 11,391st most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 3


Elton migration to the United States +

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Eltons to arrive in North America:

Elton Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Elton Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Elton Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Elton migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Elton Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Elton migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Elton Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Elton migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Elton Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Elton (post 1700) +


The Elton Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Artibus et armis
Motto Translation: By arts and arms.
Fastest Delivery Possible

Digital Products on Checkout, all other products filled in 1 business day

Money Back Guarantee

Yes, all products 100% Guraranteed

BBB A+ Rating

The Best Rating possible

Secure Online Payment

Entire site uses SSL / Secure Certificate