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Last Name Elkann

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What is the origin of the last name Elkann?

Elkann is a surname of Jewish origin. It is derived from the Hebrew personal name Elkan, which means "belonging to El". El was a shortened form of the Hebrew name for God, Elohim. The name likely originated in Eastern Europe, particularly in regions where Jewish communities were prevalent, such as Poland, Ukraine, and Russia. Many Jewish families with the surname Elkann may have migrated to other countries, including Italy, where the name is still found today.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Elkann

The meaning and origin of the last name Elkann

The surname Elkann is of Jewish origin and has Hebrew meaning. It could come from the word "Elkan" meaning "God is jealous" in Hebrew. This surname could also refer to a geographical origin, perhaps in connection with the city of Elkana in Israel. There are several spelling variations of this surname, such as Elkan, Elkanah or Elkanan. This family name is carried by several well-known personalities, including the Elkann family, an Italian family of Jewish origin that has become famous in the world of business and industry. This family is the head of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

Geographical distribution of the last name Elkann

The name Elkann is mainly widespread in Italy, especially in the Piedmont region. It is in this region that the Elkann family is known to be an influential and wealthy family, thanks to their involvement in the automotive industry with Fiat. There are also people with this name in France, the United States and Israel. In France, several members of the Elkann family have settled in Paris, where they are also involved in various sectors of activity. In the United States, the name Elkann is less common but is found in cities such as New York and Los Angeles. In Israel, a few individuals also bear this name, although the presence of the Elkann family is less important than in Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Elkann

The last name Elkann is quite rare and does not have many variations or spellings. However, it may sometimes be written in the form of Elkahn or Elkan, although these variations are less common. Some people may also encounter transcription or spelling errors, resulting in forms such as Elkanh or Elkane. However, the most common form remains Elkann, used by the well-known Italian-French family in business and industry. This family, originally from Turin, is known for its ownership of FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) and its involvement in many other sectors of activity.

Famous people with the last name Elkann

The Elkann family is mainly known for its business and industrial activities in Italy. The most famous member of the Elkann family is undoubtedly John Elkann, the current president of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, a giant in the automotive industry. In addition to his responsibilities in the family business, John Elkann is also a member of the Board of Directors of several major international companies. He is considered one of the most influential figures in the automotive industry and the economy in general in Europe. John Elkann embodies continuity and innovation within the Fiat Group, and his leadership has contributed to the company's growth and success on the international stage.

Genealogical research on the last name Elkann

Genealogical research on the surname Elkann dates back to the Jewish family from Turkey which settled in Italy in the 19th century. The Elkann are known for being the owners of Fiat, one of the largest car manufacturers in the world. The Elkann lineage dates back to Giovanni Elkann, who founded the Fiat group in 1899. Current family members, such as John Elkann, continue to perpetuate family heritage in the business and automotive sectors. In-depth genealogical research could reveal other branches of the Elkann family and their complex history across generations, thus providing a more complete overview of the history of this iconic family.

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NomOrigine Team
About the author :

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.

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