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200 Elegant Last Names That Start With E: With Meanings

Updated
These last names that start with E are truly enchanting!

Are you curious about last names that start with E? Look no further! This article explores the fascinating world of E surnames, uncovering their origins, meanings, and unique stories.

Whether you’re interested in common E surnames, beautiful ones, or the most unique and rare picks, we’ve got you covered. Let’s unravel the mystery and history behind these captivating family names, starting with E.


25 Common Last Names That Start With E

Let’s explore the most popular last names, starting with E and their fascinating origins.

  1. Earl – meaning “nobleman” or “chief,” Earl was originally an English title of nobility.
  2. Eaton – from the Old English “ea” (river) and “tun” (enclosure), indicating a settlement near a river.
  3. Eddy – either Gaelic for “instructor” or English for “backward water,” referring to a whirlpool or eddy.
  4. Edgar – a combination of the Old English “ead” (wealth, fortune) and “gar” (spear).
  5. Edwards – this sophisticated English surname means “son of Edward.”
  6. Elder – originally a nickname for an elder or older person.
  7. Elliott – is derived from the Hebrew name Elijah, meaning “Jehovah is God.”
  8. Ellis – a cute Welsh variation of the Hebrew name Elijah (Jehovah is God).
  9. Ellison – a patronymic surname meaning “son of Ellis” or “son of Elias.”
  10. Emerson – means “son of Emery,” with Emery being of Germanic origin, meaning “brave” or “powerful.”
  11. Eng – this elegant surname meaning “respond” is common among the Chinese diaspora.
  12. Engelmann – is derived from German given names beginning with Engel and “man.”
  13. English – initially given to English speakers, particularly in Anglo-Saxon and Norman-French-speaking areas.
  14. Enriquez – of Spanish origin, Enriquez is a patronymic surname meaning “son of Enrique.”
  15. Erickson – this common English surname means “son of Eric.”
  16. Eriksen – the Scandinavian form of Erickson, meaning “son of Erik.”
  17. Eriksson – meaning “son of Erik,” Eriksson is primarily used in Sweden.
  18. Escobar – of Spanish origin, meaning “broom,” associated with the notorious drug lord.
  19. Espinosa – this Spanish surname means “thorny,” suggesting strength and resilience.
  20. Espinoza – a variation of the Spanish surname Espinosa, primarily used in Latin America.
  21. Estrada – is derived from the Spanish word “estrada,” which means “road” or “street.”
  22. Evans – a classic 5-letter Welsh surname, meaning “son of Evan.”
  23. Everett – is derived from the Old English name Eoforheard, meaning “brave boar.”
  24. Ewing – this Scottish surname comes from the Greek Eugenes, meaning “noble” or “well-born.”
  25. Eyre – this 4-letter English surname is famously linked to Charlotte Brontë’s novel, Jane Eyre.

70 Beautiful Last Names Starting With E

Check out these beautiful last names that start with E – they are absolutely exquisite!

  1. Eagan – an Irish variation of the Gaelic Mac Aodhagáin, meaning “the little bright-eyed one.”
  2. Eakes – a variant of Oakes, a topographic name for someone who lived by an oak tree.
  3. Eames – this English surname means “uncle,” suggesting strong family ties.
  4. Earley – derived from the Old English personal name Eorlic, meaning “manly” or “noble.”
  5. Earls – an English surname indicating someone of noble rank or title.
  6. Early – possibly from the Irish Gaelic “moch” (early, timely), originally given to an early riser.
  7. Earnest – derived from the English name Earnest, meaning “serious” or “sincere.”
  8. East – this Old English surname initially referenced someone living east of a settlement.
  9. Easter – from the Middle English “estre,” meaning “sheepfold,” likely denoting residence near one.
  10. Easterling – the American form of the German Oesterling or Dutch Oosterling, meaning “person from the East.”
  11. Easton – a toponymic English surname meaning “east town,” referring to a settlement in the east.
  12. Eastwood – references a settlement or wooded area in the east.
  13. Eaves – an Old English name for someone who lived “at the edge” of the woods.
  14. Ebersole – this 8-letter Swiss German surname means “boar ground.”
  15. Ebony – refers to the dark, valuable wood, evoking a sense of sophistication and elegance.
  16. Echevarria – a Spanish surname from the Basque Etxeberria, meaning “new house.”
  17. Eckman – a German surname meaning “corner man,” describing someone living at the edge of a settlement.
  18. Edelman – this classy German surname means “noble man.”
  19. Eden – a biblical surname of Hebrew origin, meaning “delight” or “pleasure.”
  20. Edgerton – from an English place name meaning “settlement of Ecgheard.”
  21. Edmiston – an English habitational surname, meaning “settlement of Eadmund.”
  22. Edmonds – this charming English surname meaning “prosperity and protection.”
  23. Edmondson – a patronymic surname meaning “son of Edmond.”
  24. Edmunds – an alternate form of the English Edmonds (prosperity and protection).
  25. Eldred – derived from the Old English name Ealdræd, meaning “old counsel.”
  26. Eldridge – a whimsical option among surnames beginning with E, meaning “elf king.”
  27. Elias – this biblical surname means “Jehovah is God,” giving it religious significance.
  28. Ellery – an English surname originating from the medieval masculine name Hilary.
  29. Ellington – associated with multiple towns in England, Ellington combines the masculine name Ella with “tun” (town).
  30. Ellsworth – a habitational name from Elsworth in Cambridgeshire, meaning “elf enclosure.”
  31. Elmhurst – this English surname means “of the elmwood” and is peaceful and nature-inspired.
  32. Elmore – in Old English, Elmore likely referred to someone living near a grove of elm trees.
  33. Elmsworth – this Old English surname, meaning “elm tree enclosure” suggests strength and growth.
  34. Elton – is inspired by several places in England, meaning “Ella’s town.”
  35. Elwell – from the Old English word “ælf” (elf) and “well” (spring, stream).
  36. Elwood – this 6-letter Old English name has two meanings: “elder tree wood” and “elf rule.”
  37. Elysian – refers to the mythical Greek paradise Elysium, evoking a sense of bliss and tranquility.
  38. Emanuel – a Hebrew surname and given name meaning “God is with us.”
  39. Ember – this fiery surname is perfect for passionate families.
  40. Emberly – is a combination of “ember” and the popular suffix “ly.”
  41. Embry – this habitational English surname means “flat-topped hill.”
  42. Emeraude – a beautiful French option among last names starting with E, meaning “emerald.”
  43. Emerton – a rugged variation of Emberton, meaning “Eanbeorht’s settlement.”
  44. Emery – with French and Germanic roots, Emery means “great king.”
  45. Emeryson – a gorgeous option among E last names, initially for a “son of Emery.”
  46. Emmerson – from Anglo-Saxon “Emars sunu,” meaning “Emar’s son” or “Ethelmar’s son,”
  47. Emmons – a powerful English variation of Edmond, meaning “wealthy protector.”
  48. Encarnacion – of Spanish origin, meaning “incarnation,” referring to Jesus’s incarnation in Mary’s womb.
  49. Endicott – a topographic name from Old English, meaning “from the end cottage.”
  50. Engberg – this ornamental Swedish surname combines “meadow” and “mountain.”
  51. England – this locational surname originally denoted a person from England.
  52. Ennis – is derived from the Scottish Innes, ultimately from the Gaelic “inis” (island).
  53. Enos – this powerful Hebrew surname means “man” or “mortal.”
  54. Escalante – a Spanish surname derived from “escala” (ladder), referencing Santoña in Spain.
  55. Escalera – meaning “staircase” or “ladder,” Escalera references several Spanish places with terraced slopes.
  56. Esmeralda – this beautiful Spanish surname and given name means “emerald.”
  57. Esqueda – a habitational name from a place called Esquedas in Huesca, Spain.
  58. Esquibel – the Basque form of Ezkibel, possibly from “jaizkibel” (behind the cliffs).
  59. Esquivel – this unique Spanish surname was originally for those living behind lime trees.
  60. Estes – this surname hails from Kent, England, and means “of the East.”
  61. Estrella – a radiant and hopeful Spanish surname, meaning “star.”
  62. Ethridge – a variation of the English surname Etheridge, meaning “rich and powerful.”
  63. Etienne – the French form of Stephen, meaning “crown” or “wreath.”
  64. Everest – an English surname initially indicating a person from Évreux in Normandy.
  65. Everhart – meaning “wild boar” in Dutch, Everhart is a powerful family name.
  66. Everly – was originally an English place name meaning “boar clearing.”
  67. Evers – this cute 5-letter Dutch surname means “son of Evert.”
  68. Eversole – with Swiss German origins, Eversole means “boar ground.”
  69. Everson – an English patronymic surname meaning “son of Ever.”
  70. Ezra – this 4-letter surname is also a given name in Hebrew, meaning “help.”

105 Unique Surnames Starting With E

Here are some uncommon last names starting with E that you may not hear every day.

  1. Eades – from the Old English word “eade,” referencing abundant riches.
  2. Eads – an alternate form of the Old English surname Eades.
  3. Ealy – a variation of the English habitational name Ely, meaning “eel district.”
  4. Earle – from the Old English word “eorl,” meaning “nobleman” or “chieftain.”
  5. Easley – this pretty English family name means “east clearing.”
  6. Eberhard – a German surname from the name Eberhard, meaning “brave boar.”
  7. Eberhart – means “brave boar,” Eberhart is perfect for a tough and brave family.
  8. Eberle – a German Swiss form of Eberhard (brave boar).
  9. Eberly – this variation of Eberhard is most common in Germany, Switzerland, and England.
  10. Ebert – from the Old German elements “ebur” (boar) and “hart” (brave).
  11. Ebner – initially indicated someone living on a flat piece of land from the German “ebene” (plateau).
  12. Eby – a Swiss-German surname from the given name Eberhard.
  13. Eccles – from the Latin “ecclesia” meaning “church,” giving it a religious feel.
  14. Echeverría – from the Basque place name Etxeberria, meaning “new house.”
  15. Echols – with Old English origins, Echols means “dweller near the church.”
  16. Eck – this 3-letter German surname indicated someone living by the edge of a settlement.
  17. Ecker – is derived from the Old High German word “ekka” (corner, edge).
  18. Eckert – with Dutch origins, Eckert means “brave point.”
  19. Eckstein – with roots in Old High German, Eckstein denoted someone living near a prominent stone landmark.
  20. Edge – a surname for someone living on the edge of a settlement or a geographical feature.
  21. Edison – an English surname meaning “son of Adam,” associated with prominent inventor, Thomas Edison.
  22. Egan – an Anglicized form of the Gaelic name Mac Aodhagáin, meaning “son of Aodhagán.”
  23. Egawa – this nature-inspired Japanese surname means “inlet for a stream.”
  24. Egbert – a Germanic given name and surname, meaning “bright edge.”
  25. Egger – of South German origin, Egger is an occupational name for a “plowman” or “farmer.”
  26. Eggers – in North German and Dutch, Eggers is a patronymic surname from the given name Eggert.
  27. Eggert – from the German root “agi,” meaning “edge.”
  28. Eggleston – an English surname, possibly from a lost medieval village called Eggleston in County Durham.
  29. Ehlers – a patronymic German surname from the given name Ehler or Ehlert.
  30. Ehrlich – a strong choice among surnames starting with E, meaning “honorable” in German.
  31. Eichel – this German surname meaning “acorn” indicates a person residing near an oak tree.
  32. Eichelberger – this fanciful German surname means “from the acorn mountain.”
  33. Eicher – with German roots, Eicher denoted someone living by an oak tree.
  34. Eide – from the Old Norse word “eið,” which means “isthmus” (a narrow strip of land).
  35. Eikenboom – in Dutch, this family name translates to “oak tree.”
  36. Eiler – likely originally a German nickname meaning “noble one.”
  37. Eisenberg – this powerful German surname means “iron mountain.”
  38. Eklund – a picturesque option among E last names, meaning “oak grove” in Swedish.
  39. Ekmekçi – this Turkish surname meaning “baker” suggests a familial connection to the occupation.
  40. Ekström – a Swedish surname combining “ek” (oak) and “ström” (stream).
  41. Elam – was originally a habitational name for someone from Elam Grange in Yorkshire, England.
  42. Eld – this 3-letter surname has Old Norse roots, meaning “fire.”
  43. Elderkin – an English diminutive of “Elder,” meaning “older.”
  44. Eley – a variation of the English habitational name Ely, meaning “eel district.”
  45. El-Ghazzawy – an alternate form of the Arabic Al-Ghazzawi, originally denoting a person from Gaza in Palestine.
  46. El-Hashem – another version of Arabic Al-Hashim, meaning “crusher” or “breaker.”
  47. Eliassen – a Norwegian and Danish surname meaning “son of Elias.”
  48. Elizondo – was originally a Basque surname for someone living near a church.
  49. Elkins – this Old English surname ultimately comes from the Hebrew Elias (God is Jehovah).
  50. Eller – this mystical German name is related to the alder tree.
  51. Ellingson – a Scandinavian patronymic surname for a “son of Elling.”
  52. Elmer – derived from the Old English name Æðelmær, meaning “noble and famous.”
  53. El-Mofty – an alternate form of the Arabic Al-Mufti,​​ referencing a “mufti” (a Muslim legal advisor).
  54. Elston – is derived from the feminine English name Æthelsige, meaning “settlement of noble victory.”
  55. Elizalde – this Basque surname was initially given to someone residing near a church.
  56. Elrod – possibly a habitational name from Ellierode in Lower Saxony, Germany.
  57. Elvis – this variant of Elwes means “healthy and wide.”
  58. Elwes – from the French given name Eloise (healthy and wide).
  59. Ely – the name of a town in Eastern England, meaning “eel district.”
  60. Emeric – is derived from the German name Emmerich (great ruler).
  61. Encinas – this 7-letter Spanish family name means “holm oak.”
  62. Enciso – a habitational surname from several places called Enciso in Spain.
  63. Endres – a German patronymic surname meaning “son of Endre.”
  64. Engler – this German patronymic surname means “son of Engel” or “son of Engelbert.”
  65. Englert – in German, this unique surname means “angelic” or “angel-like.”
  66. Engelhardt – this German surname, meaning “brave angel,” is associated with nobility.
  67. Engman – in Swedish, this surname initially indicated someone living in a meadow.
  68. Engstrom – an ornamental Swedish name meaning “meadow stream.”
  69. Enright – rooted in the Gaelic surname Mac Ionnrachtaigh, meaning “son of Ionnrachtach” or “attacker.”
  70. Episcopo – from the Italian word for “bishop,” ultimately from the Greek “episkopos.”
  71. Epperson – a patronymic option among last names that start with E, meaning “son of Eppert” in Germanic.
  72. Epps – this cute English surname was originally for someone residing near an aspen tree.
  73. Epstein – a German Jewish surname, meaning “stone of the wild boar.”
  74. Eraso – this habitational Basque surname represents abundance.
  75. Erb – meaning “descendant” or “heir,” Erb is popular in the Upper Rhine near the France-German border.
  76. Erbert – from the given name Eberhardt (brave boar).
  77. Erdman – in German, Erdman means “earth man” or “farmer.”
  78. Erkens – a classic option among last names starting with E, as the Dutch form of Erik.
  79. Erlendsson – a patronymic surname of Icelandic origin, meaning “son of Erlend.”
  80. Erskine – a Scottish surname, possibly meaning “projecting height” in Gaelic.
  81. Ervin – hailing from a place in Scotland, Ervin means “green water.”
  82. Erwin – meaning “boar friend,” Erwin is a good surname for nature lovers.
  83. Escamilla – comes from the town of Escamilla in Guadalajara, Spain.
  84. Escárcega – this Spanish surname comes from the Basque “hazkar” (maple).
  85. Escarrà – possibly from Catalan “esquerrá,” meaning “left-handed.”
  86. Escobedo – with roots in Castile, Spain, Escobedo means “broom.”
  87. Esparza – linked to the Basque region, from “esparto,” denoting grass for making rope.
  88. Espina – an interesting choice among E last names, meaning “thorn bush” in Spanish.
  89. Espinal – is most common in Catalan, Espinal means “thorn.”
  90. Espino – this topographic name was initially given to those living by hawthorn bushes.
  91. Espiritu – this meaningful Spanish surname means “spirit” or “soul.”
  92. Esposito – historically, Esposito was given to an Italian child rescued after abandonment.
  93. Esser – a German occupational surname meaning “cartmaker.”
  94. Esteban – this Spanish surname comes from the Greek Stephen, meaning “crown.”
  95. Estevez – this surname suggests paternal lineage, meaning “son of Esteban.”
  96. Etheridge – a mighty choice among surnames starting with E, meaning “rich and powerful.”
  97. Etter – a German occupational surname for a gatekeeper or porter.
  98. Eubanks – this elegant English surname was initially given to those residing by yew trees.
  99. Evangelista – an Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish surname meaning “evangelist.”
  100. Evenson – this Scandinavian patronymic surname means “son of Even.”
  101. Ewald – meaning “ruler of law” in German, Ewald is perfect for a family of lawyers.
  102. Ewart – an English and Scottish surname derived from Edward (rich guard).
  103. Ewell – from the Old English name Aewill, meaning “river spring.”
  104. Eyck – is derived from the Dutch given name Eyck, meaning “wild boar.”
  105. Ezell – this surname suggests Jewish lineage, referencing an ancient kingdom of Israel.

Last Names That Start With E FAQs

What Are the Rarest Last Names Starting With E?

There are plenty of rare last names beginning with E for you to dive into. For example, Ebersole is a German family name meaning “boar ground.” Another German beauty is Endres, originally given to a “son of Endre.” In Spanish, Escalera is a unique surname, meaning “ladder.” There’s also Esquibel, an exotic Basque family name meaning “behind the cliffs.” These rare surnames starting with E are as exotic as they are beautiful!

Which Nationalities Do Last Names Starting With E Come From?

E last names have diverse origins, prominently from Germany, England, and Spain. Common German picks include Eberhard (brave boar) and Engelmann (Engel man). English surnames like Everett, Ewing, and Elder are notable. In Spain, names like Espina (thorn bush) and Encarnacion (related to Jesus’ birth) stand out. There are also Welsh E names, like Evans, emphasizing paternal lineage. Scandinavia contributes E surnames such as Eklund (oak grove) and Eriksen (son of Erik). While less common, Arabic E names exist, such as El-Hashem (crusher). There are many E last names from across the globe, just waiting to be explored!

Which Are the Most Popular Surnames Starting With E in the U.S.?

In the U.S., there are plenty of surnames that begin with E. At the forefront are Evans and Edwards, meaning “son of Evan” and “son of Edward,” respectively. Ellis and Elliott follow closely, both stemming from the Hebrew name Elijah, meaning “Jehovah is God.” Erickson is another prevalent surname, indicating paternal lineage as a “son of Erik.” Lastly, there’s Eaton, an Old English name referencing a settlement near a river. These surnames showcase the diverse meanings and origins of American family names.

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About the Author

Chelsea Nelthropp

Chelsea Nelthropp previously worked with special needs children before transitioning to her current passion, freelance writing. She's written on a plethora of topics and enjoys the diversity of her work. In her free time, Chelsea enjoys hiking, creating artwork, reading about true crime, and spending time with her husband and their adorable French Bulldog, Stella.