Recorded as Elliot, Eliot, Elliot (English), the French Eliet, and the transposed Elloit, this very interesting surname has a number of possible origins. Firstly, it may derive from the medieval given name "Elis" the normal vernacular form of "Elijah" meaning "Jehovah is God", with the diminutive suffix "-ot". Secondly it derive from the Middle English given name "Elyat", which represents at least two Olde English pre 7th century personal names which have been fused together. These can be "Athelgeat"composed of the elements "athel" meaning noble and "geat" a road or way, and "Athelgyth" which is composed of the elements "athel" as before, and "gyth" a battle. Surprisingly perhaps the latter name was female! Thirdly in Scotland, the derivation is different again. In this case it is from another given name being that of "Aelfweald", meaning "Elf-ruler", although again the souce is Olde English. Finally it may be Irish, and a developed form of the original Gaelic surname "Elloch", a rare topographical name, as most Gaelic surnames were patronymics. It derives from "eileach", meaning a mound or bank, and hence described one who lived at such a place. The first recorded spelling of the family name is believed to be that of William Elyot. This was dated 1257, in the Assize Court Rolls of Somerset, during the reign of King Henry 111rd of England, 1216 - 1272. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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