Summary

The surname Elder is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word 'eldra', meaning 'elder' or 'older'. The name was originally used to distinguish between two people with the same name, where the elder one was referred to as Elder. Over time, the surname Elder has spread to different parts of the world through migration and colonization.
There are
29796
Elders in the USA
Elder is the
1186th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Elder

JohnElder

John Elder was a Scottish engineer and shipbuilder who founded the shipbuilding firm John Elder & Co. He was known for his advances in marine engineering and the construction of steamships.

MarkElder

Mark Elder is a British conductor who has held positions with prestigious orchestras such as the Hallé Orchestra and the English National Opera. He is known for his interpretation of Romantic and 20th-century music.

JosephElder

Joseph Elder was an American anthropologist and scholar who specialized in South Asian studies. He conducted extensive research on the culture and society of India and Nepal.

LindaElder

Linda Elder is an American educational psychologist and critical thinking expert. She is the President and Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Critical Thinking and has authored numerous books and articles on the subject.

Sven-ErikElder

Sven-Erik Elder is a Swedish cross-country skier and Olympic gold medalist. He won the gold medal in the 4x10 km relay event at the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble, France.

PaulElder

Paul Elder was an American publisher and bookseller who operated the Paul Elder & Company in San Francisco during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was known for his contributions to the Arts and Crafts movement.

JanetElder

Janet Elder is an American journalist and author who has worked for The New York Times. She is known for her coverage of education and her bestselling book 'Joe's Testament: A Life and Death Battle for Academic Freedom.'

GeorgeElder

George Elder was a British soldier and Victoria Cross recipient. He was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration for valor in the British Empire, for his bravery during the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

LisaElder

Lisa Elder is an American actress known for her roles in films such as 'The Natural' and 'Cocoon.' She has also appeared in various television shows and commercials.

ThomasElder

Thomas Elder was an Australian pastoralist and philanthropist. He played a significant role in the development of the Australian wool industry and made significant contributions to public institutions and charities.

Elder Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Elder' is of English and Scottish origin. It is derived from the Middle English word 'eldere,' which means 'elder tree.' The name was likely originally given to someone who lived near an elder tree or had some association with it.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Elder' is found in various English-speaking countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The distribution of the name is influenced by migration patterns and historical factors.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Elder' include 'Ellder' and 'Alderman.'
Migration and ImmigrationPeople with the surname 'Elder' have migrated and immigrated to various countries throughout history, particularly during periods of colonial expansion and economic opportunities.