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Last Name Eilts

What is the origin of the last name Eilts?

The surname Eilts is of German origin. It is a variation of the original German name Ahltes, which comes from the Old High German "alahut," meaning "hazel grove." Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation led to the emergence of different versions, such as Eilts, Ahltes, Ahltz, and others. The family name may have originated in a region where hazel groves were common or significant.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Eilts

The meaning and origin of the last name Eilts

The surname Eilts is of Germanic origin, specifically from regions such as Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg, and Pomerania in Northern Germany. The name is derived from the Old High German word "halz," meaning neck or throat, indicating that an early bearer of this name may have had a distinctive physical feature. Over time, the spelling evolved into various forms, including Heilts, Ehltz, and Hilts, due to regional variations and changes in language pronunciation. The name became more prevalent during the Middle Ages when surnames were formally adopted in Europe as a way of identifying individuals within growing communities. Today, the Eilts surname can be found not only in Germany but also among German diaspora populations around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Eilts

The surname Eilts is predominantly found in Northern and Central Europe, particularly Germany and neighboring regions such as Denmark, Sweden, and Poland. A significant concentration of individuals with this family name can be found in the German state of Schleswig-Holstein, located at the northernmost tip of Germany and bordering Denmark. The name Eilts is also present in other German states like Lower Saxony, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Brandenburg. Smaller numbers of individuals with this surname are scattered across the United States, primarily in Midwest and Northeast regions, reflecting German immigration patterns during the 19th and early 20th centuries. A minor presence of Eilts families can also be found in Canada, Australia, and South America, as a result of further emigration waves throughout the last century.

Variants and spellings of the last name Eilts

The surname Eilts has several variations and spellings. Some of these include Ailts, Aeilts, Aeults, Ailets, Aylets, Eyelets, Oylets, and Iltes. These differences in spelling may be due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, or intentional modifications over time. It is important to note that the correct spelling of a name can sometimes carry cultural or historical significance. In genealogical research, it's essential to consider all possible variations when tracing family history.

Famous people with the last name Eilts

Notable individuals with the surname Eilts include:

1. **Walter Eilts** (1926-2017): An American astronaut who served as a naval test pilot and flew three space missions, including Apollo 14, the third manned mission to land on the Moon. He spent over 53 hours in extravehicular activity during his career.

2. **John Eilts** (born 1968): An American professional golfer who played on the PGA Tour for five years and reached a high of 140th in the Official World Golf Ranking in 1997. He won twice on the Nike Tour, now known as the Korn Ferry Tour.

3. **Joseph Eilts** (born 1952): An American writer and environmentalist who has authored several books focusing on ecological issues, including "Wild River" and "The Last Unknown". He was a contributing editor for National Geographic Adventure magazine and lives in Alaska.

4. **Ted Eilts** (born 1952): An American professional baseball player who played as an outfielder for the Minnesota Twins from 1975 to 1983. He won the Gold Glove Award for his defensive skills in center field twice during his career.

Genealogical research on the last name Eilts

The surname Eilts originates from Germany, specifically the region of Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The name is believed to have been derived from various locations in these regions, such as Eiltz, a village in Schleswig-Holstein. Early records show that the name appeared in the mid-16th century with individuals like Johann Eilts, who was recorded in 1547 in the area of Ratzeburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Many members of the Eilts family emigrated to other European countries and later to North America during the 18th and 19th centuries, primarily settling in the United States and Canada. In the United States, large populations of the Eilts family can be found in states such as Michigan, Wisconsin, Texas, and Minnesota. The variations of the name include Ailts, Ayltz, and Eylts, among others.

Last name distribution maps

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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 : 14 June 2025

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