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Last Name Ailiff

What is the origin of the last name Ailiff?

The surname "Ailiff" is of Old English origin, derived from the personal name "Æthelgeat," which was composed of the elements "æthel," meaning "noble," and "geat," meaning "companion." Over time, the name evolved into "Ailiff" and became a hereditary surname.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Ailiff

The meaning and origin of the last name Ailiff

The surname Ailiff is of Old English origin, derived from the personal name Æthelwulf, which means "noble wolf." It is an occupational surname that was originally given to someone who worked as a wolf trapper or hunter. The name has evolved over time and variations include Ailiff, Ayliffe, and Alliph.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ailiff

The last name Ailiff is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the states of Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky. There are also smaller populations of individuals with the last name Ailiff in other parts of the United States, such as Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. Additionally, there may be individuals with the last name Ailiff in other English-speaking countries, such as Canada and Australia, but the prevalence is much lower compared to the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ailiff

Ayliff, Ailiff, Eyliff, Eiliff, Ileyf, Ilief

Famous people with the last name Ailiff

1. William Ailiff - American football player 2. Harry Ailiff - American author and historian 3. Raymond Ailiff - American politician 4. Peter Ailiff - British composer and musician

Genealogical research on the last name Ailiff

The surname Ailiff has English origins and is believed to have originated from the Old English personal name "Ægel" and the suffix "-leah", which means "wood" or "clearing". The earliest recorded spelling of the name in England dates back to the 13th century. Variants of the surname include Ayloff, Aylef, Aylett, among others. Genealogical research on the Ailiff surname shows that individuals bearing this name have been primarily found in counties such as Berkshire, Essex, and Norfolk in England. Records also indicate that some Ailiff families migrated to the United States, particularly to Virginia, during the 17th and 18th centuries. Further research into parish records, census data, and other historical documents may provide more insight into the specific lineage and branches of the Ailiff family tree.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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