Surname Elburn - Meaning and Origin

Elburn: What does the surname Elburn mean?

The last name Elburn is of English origin, and is most likely derived from the Old English word elfrith, which is translated to mean “elf-friendly” or “elf-hostile.” As such, it is believed to have originated as a descriptive nickname for someone who was either friendly or hostile towards elves.

Due to the lack of manuscripts from the Middle Ages, it is difficult to trace back the exact origin of the Elburn surname. However, military records from the English Civil War state that there were individuals named Elburn engaged in the conflict, suggesting that the surname was already well established by the mid 17th century.

Today, the Elburn surname is distributed primarily throughout the United Kingdom and the United States. There are also a small number of individuals bearing the Elburn surname scattered throughout the French-speaking parts of Europe, as well as a few in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

The Elburn name carries with it a rich history and a sense of honour, as well as a unique identity borne of centuries of perseverance in a changing world. It is a reminder of our past, and is sure to remain a source of pride and comfort to the generations that follow.

Elburn: Where does the name Elburn come from?

The last name Elburn is most prevalent in the United States and Canada. The family name originated in the United Kingdom, particularly in England and Scotland.

According to the 1900 US Census, there were 1247 Elburns living throughout the United States. By 1920, the number had almost doubled to 2224. Today, Elburns predominantly live in the West, with the majority residing in California and Washington. The highest Elburn population is in California, where 32 people out of every million have the last name.

Other areas with a notable Elburn population include Arizona, Texas, and New York. In 2010, there were 1,868 Elburns living in the United Kingdom. Canada has also seen a sizable influx of Elburns. In 2016, records show that there were 97 Elburns living in the country.

Elburn is a relatively rare name and is not sharply increasing or decreasing in popularity. During the decade from 2000 to 2010, the US Census records a growth of only 17 Elburns in the United States. Overall, the last name Elburn remains common in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other English-speaking countries.

Variations of the surname Elburn

The surname Elburn can be variously spelled or found as Elbern, Elborn, Elborne, Alburn, Allburn, Allbern and Allborn. All of these surnames are derived from Old English, as an anglicized form of the Gaelic surname O'Maolfhiona, meaning "descendant of Maolfhiona."

Maolfhiona was an old Irish first name, first recorded as Malvin in the written records of Ireland going back to the 10th century. It is derived from the Gaelic elements "maol" meaning "servant" or "disciple," and "fionn" meaning "fair." Therefore, the name roughly translates to mean "servant/disciple of the fair one."

The modern form of the name began to appear in records from the 15th century, with various spellings including Albern, Allbern, Elbourne, Ellburn, Elburne, Elbourne, and Ellburne all being used. The spelling Elburn became the most commonly used in Scotland.

In the United States, the altered versions Alburn and Allburn are more common. The surname Elburn can also be found in other English-speaking countries, particularly in Australia and Canada.

Furthermore, in many cases, the 'O' prefix from the original Gaelic surname has been dropped from the spelling, further altering the spelling. In many contexts, variants of the name with and without the ‘O’ may be found.

Famous people with the name Elburn

• Kelsea Elburn: a singer/songwriter from Detroit, Michigan who has performed at various venues and festivals.
• Shanna Elburn: an American actress and model who has appeared in various television shows and films.
• Karlee Elburn: a beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss Michgan Teen USA 2011.
• Robert Elburn: a retired professional tennis player who held a career high ranking of World No. 93.
• Tristan Elburn: an Australian Paralympic swimmer who represented Australia at the 2008 and 2012 Summer Paralympic Games.
• Michael Elburn: an American football cornerback who played for the University of Michigan Wolverines and later went on to have a successful professional career.
• John Elburn: a British conservationist and zoologist who worked as a research scientist at the Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland.
• Stuart Elburn: a long-distance cyclist who has completed a number of long-distance cycling trips, including around the world.
• Mollie Elburn: a professional golfer and instructor who has competed in many events in the United States.
• Steve Elburn: a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Chicago Cubs and the Colorado Rockies.

Other surnames

Elburne

Comments or additions to the name "Elburn"

06.02.2024
Many Elburns in Amersham/Chesham, Bucks and in London. 1600s onward.