This interesting surname is of Anglo-Saxon origin, and derives from the Middle English given name "El(f)si", a development of the Olde English pre 7th Century "Aelfsige", composed of the elements "aelf" meaning elf, plus "sige", victory. The popularity of the personal name is borne out by the number of surnames it generated. The personal name appears as "Alfsi" and "Alsi" in the Domesday Book of 1086, as "Elfsi" in the Pipe Rolls of Kent in 1191, and as "Elsy" in the Pipe Rolls of Lincolnshire in 1230.
The surname dates back to the mid 12th Century, (see below), and variations in the spelling of the surname include Elsie, Elsay, Elsy, and Elcy. London Church Records list the marriage of Walter Elsey to Margery Digby on the 2nd August 1552 at St. Mary Magdalene's, Bermondsey, and the christening of Lawrence Elsie, on the 9th November 1567 at St. Mary Whitechapel, Stepney. Robert Elsay was christened at St. John's, Hackney, on the 12th July 1590. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Reginald Elsi, which was dated 1155-1177, in the Records of the Templars in England in the 12th Century, Yorkshire, during the reign of King Henry 11, known as the "Builder of Churches", 1154-1189. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.
The history of the surname elsie is, like that of most surnames, a complex and fascinating journey to ancient times with the aim of unraveling the origin of elsie. Research into the possible origins of elsie leads us to learn more about those who bear this surname. The origin, the coat of arms or the different heraldic shields, and the bibliography in which the surname elsie is mentioned are part of this exciting investigation.
It is common for surnames like elsie to become known in places far removed from their country or region of origin. Discover which ones. There is a considerable probability that elsie has crossed the borders of its place of origin to establish itself, to a greater or lesser extent, in other parts of the world. With all the information we have today, it can be said that the countries where elsie is most abundant are the following. The list of countries with a higher presence of people with the surname elsie provides us with a perspective on the history of the surname, beyond its origins, focusing on its migrations.
The historical journey of the surname elsie can be traced back to those who were the first bearers of elsie. The deeds, the way of life, the places they lived, the family relationships they had, the jobs they held by those who were the first to be named elsie are found in every look back in the history of this lineage. For those like you, who are interested in the history hidden behind the surname elsie, it is essential to find all kinds of information, both direct and tangential, that helps to construct a solid narrative of how the birth and expansion of elsie developed.
You can visit us regularly to get more information about the origin of the surname elsie, as we frequently accept significant contributions from other individuals interested in heraldry and the history of surnames. It is common for genealogy and surname enthusiasts to provide us with information of special value, so the data we offer about the origins of elsie could be modified. We keep our website updated through our own research and also thanks to contributions from people like you, after verification; so if you have information about elsie and send it to us, we will update it on this website.
Unfortunately, it's highly probable that not all elsies who performed notable deeds have been included in historical chronicles and records. We assume that there have been significant contributions to humanity made by individuals with the surname elsie, even though not all have been documented to our present day. Sadly, not all the contributions of those who bore the surname elsie were recorded by the chroniclers of the time.
It goes without saying that consulting bibliographic and documentary sources is essential when accessing information about the origins of the surname elsie. The bibliography collects information related to the surname elsie, which allows us to learn more about its meaning. The origin, history, coat of arms or different coats of arms, and the heraldry of elsie are recorded in a wide variety of sources and documents that are essential to know for better compilation.
These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of elsie, and at the same time, of surnames in general.