Elcoat Family History

Of uncertain origin, it looks like a locative name, but no suitable place-name has been identified in Scotland or NE England where the surname is principally recorded. Neither Hilcott in Gloucs nor Hilcott in Wilts seem likely sources. A similar-looking surname (H)elcote is recorded in medieval Essex and in post-medieval E Anglia.

Perhaps this name migrated to NE England by the east coast trade route. The origin of Middle English (H)elcote is unclear, but it might be a pet form of the female personal name (H)elen (see Ellen) + the rare hypocoristic suffix -cote.

Alternatively, since -cock and -cot are commonly interchangeable in medieval and post-medieval surnames, Elcoat and Hillcoat could be variants of Elcock and Hillcock. However, these names have not been noted in E Anglia, NE England, or Scotland.