Elof

Elof is a masculine given name of Nordic origin. It appears in historical records in Sweden and Norway from the Middle Ages, and in modern times it is relatively rare. The exact etymology is not firmly established in accessible sources; it is commonly treated as a traditional Germanic-derived name formed from elements typical of early Scandinavian names, but the precise components and meaning vary by source. The form Elof is found in various spellings across Scandinavian texts, reflecting historical orthographic variation. Names of this type were often used independently rather than as patronymics. In contemporary usage, Elof is more commonly encountered in genealogical or historical contexts than among newborns in Nordic countries today. The name has no widely known international figures, and it remains uncommon outside Nordic contexts. See also: Scandinavian given names, Elov.