Elliots

Elliots is a surname used by several genealogical lineages, most commonly in the British Isles. It is a variant of the more widespread surname Elliott and may also appear as Ellot, Ellott, or Elliotte. The form Elliots is the plural or ordinary usage when referring to people who bear the name.

Etymology: The name derives from the given name Elijah or Elias, through medieval spellings such as Eliot or Eliott, with later English and Scottish forms adding the -ot/-ott ending. In many cases, the surname originated as a patronymic or descriptive name indicating descent from a person named Eliott, Elias, or Elijah. The different spellings reflect regional pronunciation and historical record-keeping.

Geographic and historical notes: In Scotland and northern England, families bearing the Elliots have appeared in several border regions. Like other Border surnames, multiple lineages with the name developed independently, and not all share a documented common ancestor. Over time, bearers of the name have spread to other parts of the United Kingdom and to re-emigrant communities abroad.

Modern usage: Today Elliots is encountered worldwide as a surname. Given the existence of multiple unrelated families with this name, genealogical research is often necessary to establish any specific familial connections. The plural form is used in ordinary text to refer to multiple individuals who carry the name.

See also: Elliott, Ellott, Ellot.