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Last Name Elo

What is the origin of the last name Elo?

The last name Elo is of Finnish origin. It is derived from the Finnish word "elo," which means "life" or "livelihood." The name was likely originally bestowed upon someone who had a thriving and prosperous life or livelihood.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Elo

The meaning and origin of the last name Elo

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Geographical distribution of the last name Elo

The name Elo is mainly common in Finland and in Nordic countries such as Sweden and Norway. In Finland, it is particularly widespread in the southern and western regions of the country, notably Helsinki and Turku. In Sweden it is found mainly in the southern parts of Norrland, notably in Stockholm and Gothenburg. In Norway, the name Elo is more rare but is present in major cities such as Oslo and Bergen. There are also persons with this name in Estonia and Russia, particularly in the St. Petersburg region. The geographical dispersion of the surname Elo bears witness to its Scandinavian origins and its ancient presence in the region.

Variants and spellings of the last name Elo

The Elo family name can also be spelled in different ways such as Ello, Eloo, Eloh, Elot, or Eloh. These variations may come from different geographical regions or from specific family traditions. The spelling of a family name may sometimes vary depending on the pronunciation or phonetic adaptation from one language to another. However, despite these different spellings, the surname Elo remains the same and is worn by different people around the world. Each variant brings an additional nuance to the family identity and allows to trace the history and origins of its members.

Famous people with the last name Elo

The Elo family name is mainly worn by famous personalities in the chess world. The best known of them is Arpad Elo, an American physicist of Hungarian origin who developed the Elo rating system used to assess the strength of chess players. This system is now widely adopted in the world of chess and has made it possible to standardize player rankings. Other notable personalities named Elo include Paul Elo, a French chess player who has won many national and international titles, as well as Jan Elo, a Norwegian player who contributed to the development of the theory of openings in this game. In short, the surname Elo is closely linked to the world of chess and its iconic figures.

Genealogical research on the last name Elo

Genealogical research on the surname Elo reveals a Finnish origin, the name being common in Finland. The first references to this surname date back to the 19th century, but its origins could go even further in the history of Finland. Elo were often farmers or manual workers, and some family members emigrated to other countries, including the United States and Sweden. By studying the archives and finding family testimonies, it is possible to discover the history and deep roots of the Elo family, as well as the various family branches that have lasted through the generations. Genealogical research on the Elo family name is therefore a valuable way to trace the history and family heritage of the descendants of this Finnish lineage.

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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