Last Name Elderidge

Learn more about the origin of the last name Elderidge

The meaning and origin of the last name Elderidge

The surname Elderidge is an Anglo-Saxon name that derives from the Old English words "eald" which means 'old' or 'ancient', and "rinc" which means 'ruler' or 'chief'. The name was often given to individuals who were considered wise or respected elders within their communities. Over time, variations in spelling such as Eldridge, Elderidg, Elderidge, Eldridg, and Oldridge have emerged due to the evolution of the English language. It is believed that the name first appeared in England during the Middle Ages, where it was a common surname among Norman aristocracy. In modern times, individuals with the surname Elderidge can be found across the globe, particularly in countries that were once part of the British Empire.

Geographical distribution of the last name Elderidge

The surname Elderidge is predominantly found in England, with significant concentrations in regions such as Yorkshire and the West Midlands. However, its distribution is not limited to these areas, as it can also be traced in other parts of England, particularly in London, the East Midlands, and the South West. Additionally, due to historical emigration patterns, descendants of Elderidge family members can be found in various countries, with a notable presence in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The name's origin is believed to be Old English, derived from the elements "eald" meaning old or aged, and "rīc" meaning power or rule, suggesting that it may have originally been an occupational name for an older ruler or a name given to someone regarded as wise or venerable.

Variants and spellings of the last name Elderidge

The surname Elderidge has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription over time and across regions. Some common variants include Eldridge, Eldredge, Elderdige, and Oldridge. Eldridge is the most common spelling, originating from England, particularly in the counties of Somerset, Wiltshire, and Shropshire. The name is a locative surname, derived from an old English word "eald" meaning "old", and "hyrd" or "hrid" meaning "enclosure" or "hedge". Other variations like Eldredge and Elderdige may have arisen due to slight differences in pronunciation or spelling conventions over time. Oldridge, while less common, is another variant that could potentially be a localized version of the name, derived from Old Ride (meaning "old clearing" or "old road").

Famous people with the last name Elderidge

Notable individuals with the surname Elderidge include:

1. Thomas Elderidge (1746-1829), an English portrait miniaturist and member of the Royal Academy.

2. Henry Elderidge (1786-1867), an American inventor who patented several farming implements, including the potato digger.

3. George Elderidge (1804-1895), an American politician and U.S. Representative from New York.

4. William Elderidge (1820-1890), a British journalist and editor who co-founded the magazine Punch in 1841.

5. John Elderidge (born 1937), a British physicist known for his work on superfluidity and quantum turbulence.

6. Trevor Elderidge (1941-2016), an English actor who appeared in numerous television series including Doctor Who and The Avengers.

7. Peter Eldridge (born 1963), an American jazz pianist, composer, and arranger.

8. Richard Eldridge (born 1954), an American philosopher specializing in metaphysics and logic.

Genealogical research on the last name Elderidge

The surname Elderidge is believed to have originated from England, specifically in the county of Derbyshire. Its roots can be traced back to the early 17th century. The name is a variation of Eldridge, an Anglo-Saxon nickname meaning "old rider" or "ruler of the old army." The first recorded instance of the surname was John Eldridghe, who lived in Derbyshire in 1630. Some notable individuals bearing this name include Sir George Elderidge (1751-1826), a prominent judge and politician from England, and Mary Ann Elderidge, an American activist who fought for women's suffrage and labor rights during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The surname has also spread to other parts of the world due to migration, particularly to the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Elderidge"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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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 : 27 July 2025