Surname Elbe - Meaning and Origin
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Elbe: What does the surname Elbe mean?
The last name Elbe is an occupational surname with Germanic origins. During the Middle Ages, the Elbe surname was given to people who worked as hunters or made a living trapping and selling birds.
The spelling of the Elbe surname evolved and eventually spread to other parts of Europe as well, including England and France. The meaning of the name is literally "elk hunter" or "elk gatherer". In its more modern sense, the name Elbe has come to mean "a strong and rugged individual who is not easily intimidated".
The Elbe surname is commonly found among people of Germanic, Dutch, and Scandinavian descent, but it can be found among other ethnic groups as well. It is a relatively uncommon surname, and it's estimated that only about 130 individuals living today have the Elbe name.
The Elbe surname, both in its original and modern interpretations, have become a powerful symbol of strength, courage, and resilience to those who possess it. Those with the Elbe name view it as a badge of honour, and are proud of their family's connection to this centuries-old surname.
Order DNA origin analysisElbe: Where does the name Elbe come from?
The last name Elbe is most commonly found in Germany. It is a German language surname derived from the Elbe River, a major waterway that flows through Germany and Central Europe. The earliest known documentation of the name was 1119 in the district of Magdeburg. It is thought that the first recorded person to use the surname Elbe was a nobleman named Herericus Elbae.
In modern times, the Elbe family continues to have a strong presence in Germany, often located in locations along or near the Elbe River. The surname is also found throughout Central and Eastern Europe, especially in Austria and Czech Republic. Outside of Europe, the surname Elbe can be found most prominently in North America, particularly in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
In terms of frequency, the surname Elbe is not particularly common in the US today, although its presence continues to be strong in some areas. According to the 2019 US Census Bureau, approximately 1,500 people have the last name Elbe, mostly in states like Texas, Ohio, and California.
In summary, the last name Elbe is most strongly associated with Germany, with a presence in North American countries as well. Historically, it is derived from the Elbe River, and it continues to be a popular surname today in Europe and North America.
Variations of the surname Elbe
The surname Elbe is of Germanic or Norman origin. It is derived from the Old English term elbe or ellenbeo which means 'brave and strong'. It is also related to the Latin word eligo, meaning 'to choose'.
The variations of Elbe are numerous, ranging from common spellings such as Elbaum, Elbows, Ellbaum, Ellbau, and Elbau to less common alternatives such as Elble, Elboe, Ellenbeo, EIbeno, and the Germanic form Allbech. Some of the surnames derived from Elbe include Elbers, Elborough, Elbourn, and Ellbott.
Other forms of Elbe include Elbye, Elbeye, Elb, Elbies, Ellbo, Elbi, Ellby, and Ellbee. Another more modernized version is Elbey, which is derived from Ellby. The French borrowings include Albe, Elbian, and Alby. The spelling of Ellburgh, though rare, is also found in some locations.
The common variations in the United States and Canada include Elbery, Ellbarg, and Ellberg. Other regional spellings include Ellbery and Elburger. Some people have Elbi as a middle name and Ellbe as a last name.
It is important to note that Elbe is also a river in Central and Eastern Europe, and this can be the source of the surname Elbe in some cases. In some cases, the alternative name for Elbe could be derived from the river's Germanic name, Elbe.
Famous people with the name Elbe
- David Elbe: German musician
- Jan Elbe: Dutch politician
- Alfred Elbe: German artist
- Egon Elbe: Austrian architect
- Anne Elbe: Danish actress
- Wolf Elbe: German writer
- Max Elbe: German businessman
- Karl Elbe: German engineer
- Gerrit Elbe: Dutch composer
- Annika Elbe: Swedish singer
- Tiffany Elbe: American actress
- Magnus Elbe: Swedish founder of the first zoo in Stockholm
- Klaas Elbe: Dutch sculptor
- Yvonne Elbe: German professional hockey player
- Bertha Elbe: German horticulturist
- Ernst Elbe: German politician
- Jakob Elbe: Austrian artist
- Maurice Elbe: French explorer
- Harald Elbe: German filmmaker
- Paul Elbe: Danish inventor