This page needs Javascript enabled in order to work properly. Click here for instructions on how to enable it in your browser.
Surname Header Image
Get access to Elwes family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Elwes Family History

Elwes Surname Meaning

From the Middle English and Old French female personal name Heluïs Heloïs, it originates from Continental Germanic Heilwidis Helewidis.

This name itself is derived from elements meaning ‘safe’ and ‘healthy’.

Additionally, it may also carry connotations of ‘wood’ or the phrase ‘bind in fealty’.

The evolution of the name reflects the blending of cultural influences across languages.

The significance of such names often lies in their historical and linguistic heritage.

Source: The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland, 2016


Similar surnames: 

Search for a relative to learn more about your family history.

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Elwes family from?

You can see how Elwes families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Elwes family name was found in the USA, the UK, Canada, and Scotland between 1840 and 1920. The most Elwes families were found in United Kingdom in 1891. In 1891 there were 17 Elwes families living in Hampshire. This was about 20% of all the recorded Elwes's in United Kingdom. Hampshire had the highest population of Elwes families in 1891.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Elwes surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.
Mapbox
© Mapbox © OpenStreetMap Improve this map

What did your Elwes ancestors do for a living?

In 1939, Agricultural Labourer and Unpaid Domestic Duties were the top reported jobs for men and women in the United Kingdom named Elwes. 50% of Elwes men worked as an Agricultural Labourer and 54% of Elwes women worked as an Unpaid Domestic Duties. Some less common occupations for Americans named Elwes were Retired and Housework.

View Census Data for Elwes | Data not to scale

*We display top occupations by gender to maintain their historical accuracy during times when men and women often performed different jobs.

Top Male Occupations In 1939

  • Agricultural Labourer
    50%
  • Retired
    50%

Top Female Occupations In 1939

  • Unpaid Domestic Duties
    54%
  • Private Means
    34%
  • Unpaid Domestic
    5%
  • Housework
    5%

What Elwes family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 2,000 census records available for the last name Elwes. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Elwes census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Elwes

Passenger Lists

There are 754 immigration records available for the last name Elwes. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in the UK, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Elwes immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 386 military records available for the last name Elwes. For the veterans among your Elwes ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Elwes military records

You've only scratched the surface of Elwes family history

Discover More

What is the average Elwes lifespan?

Between 1959 and 2003, in the United States, Elwes life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1959, and highest in 2003. The average life expectancy for Elwes in 1959 was 53, and 90 in 2003.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Elwes

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Elwes ancestors lived in harsh conditions. A short lifespan might also indicate health problems that were once prevalent in your family. The SSDI is a searchable database of more than 70 million names. You can find birthdates, death dates, addresses and more.

Discover the unique achievements of ancestors in the Elwes family tree

Explore Your Tree
Search for another surname
Enter last name/surname
Start a 14-Day Free Trial