In Scottish history, few names go farther back than Elligott, whose ancestors lived among the clans of the Pictish tribe. The ancestors of the Elligott family lived in Liddesdale and Teviotdale where the family has a long and distinguished history dating back to the early Middle Ages. The name is actually derived from the Old English personal name Elwald or Aelfwald, but this name is now all but extinct as a personal name.
"A William Aliot came into England with the Conqueror, and the name seems to be connected with Alis and Ellis." [1]
The surname Elligott was first found in Liddesdale, and Teviotdale. Although originally from Elliott, a village near Forfar, this Clan was persuaded by the Douglases to move south to help defend the border in 1396. There they became one of the most influential clans. Some of the notable personalities were "Archie Fire the Braes," "Hob of the Park," "Little Jock of the Park," "Jock Half Lugs," "Jock A'God's Name," "Gibbe Wi' the Gowden Gartens."
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Elligott research. Another 141 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1499, 1546, 1898, 1592, 1632, 1636, 1668, 1604, 1690, 1612, 1685, 1640, 1665, 1714, 1700, 1670, 1797 and are included under the topic Early Elligott History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Although Medieval Scotland lacked a basic set of spelling rules, which meant that scribes recorded names according to their sounds it was not uncommon for the names of a father and son to be recorded differently. As a result, there are many spelling variations of Scottish single names. Elligott has been written Elliott, Elliot, Eliot, Eliott, Ellegett, Ellegot, Ellecot, Ellacott, Ellacot, Ellgate, Ellett, Ellit and many more.
Notable amongst the Clan at this time was Sir John Eliot (1592-1632), an English statesman who was serially imprisoned in the Tower of London by King Charles I for advocating the rights and privileges of Parliament; George Elliott (ca. 1636-1668), English surgeon to the Earl of Teviot's Regiment; John Eliot (c. 1604-1690), English Puritan missionary to the American Indians from Widford, Hertfordshire; John Eliot...
Another 63 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Elligott Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Some of the Elligott family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 80 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Thousands of Scots left their home country to travel to Ireland or Australia, or to cross the Atlantic for the North American colonies. The difficult crossing was an enormous hurdle, but those who survived found freedom and opportunity in ample measure. Some Scots even fought for their freedom in the American War of Independence. This century, their ancestors have become aware of the illustrious history of the Scots in North America and at home through Clan societies and other organizations. Passenger and immigration lists show many early and influential immigrants bearing the name Elligott: