What is the origin of the last name Elwing?

The last name Elwing is of Germanic origin and is derived from the Old High German personal name "Alwin," which is composed of the elements "adal," meaning "noble," and "wine," meaning "friend." Over time, the name Alwin evolved into Elwing and eventually became a hereditary surname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Elwing

The meaning and origin of the last name Elwing

The surname Elwing is of German origin and is derived from the Old High German word "el," meaning "foreign" or "strange," and "winc," meaning "friend." The combination of these elements suggests that the name was likely originally used to describe a person who was friendly to outsiders or foreigners. Over time, the surname Elwing may have been adopted by individuals or families who identified with this characteristic or who were themselves considered outsiders in their communities. Like many surnames, Elwing may have been passed down through generations or acquired through marriage or other circumstances, contributing to its prevalence in certain regions or among specific populations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Elwing

The last name Elwing appears to have a limited geographical distribution, with most occurrences being found in Sweden. There are also some instances of the surname in the United States and Germany. However, the concentration of individuals with the last name Elwing is highest in Sweden, particularly in the regions of Stockholm and Skåne. This suggests that the surname may have originated in Sweden and has remained most prevalent in this country. The presence of individuals with the surname Elwing in the United States and Germany could be attributed to migration patterns or historical connections between these countries and Sweden. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Elwing indicates a primary association with Sweden, followed by smaller populations in the United States and Germany.

Variants and spellings of the last name Elwing

Elwing is a last name that can also be spelled as Elwinge, Elweng, Elweeng, and Alwing. These variations may be seen in different countries or regions due to differences in pronunciation and local dialects. Additionally, some individuals may choose to spell their last name differently to distinguish themselves or for personal preference. In any case, the last name Elwing, regardless of its spelling, is likely of Germanic origin and may have different meanings or significance depending on the particular cultural context.

Famous people with the last name Elwing

There are no famous individuals with the last name Elwing. The surname Elwing does not appear to be associated with any well-known personalities in history or contemporary times.

Genealogical research on the last name Elwing

The last name Elwing is of German origin, derived from the Old High German personal name "Adalwung", itself composed of the elements "adal" meaning 'noble' and "wung" meaning 'warrior'. This surname has been found to be primarily concentrated in Germany, with some presence in the United States, particularly in states with a history of German immigration such as Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Research into the genealogy of the Elwing surname reveals a family history connected to the Germanic tribes of the early Middle Ages, with several notable individuals bearing this name recorded in historical documents. Further research may uncover additional branches of the Elwing family tree and shed light on their origins and migration patterns throughout history.

Last name distribution maps

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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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