200 Elegant Last Names That Start With E: With Meanings

Last names that start with E offer a diverse mix of history, geography, and meaning. From English nobility titles like Earl to nature-inspired gems like Eklund, this letter covers a wide spectrum of origins.

Whether you are digging into your genealogy, writing a character backstory, or searching for a unique moniker, we have curated a comprehensive list for you. Here is a deep dive into the fascinating world of surnames starting with the letter E.

25 Common Last Names That Start with E

These popular surnames are found frequently across the globe, boasting rich histories and distinct meanings.

1. Earl: Meaning “nobleman” or “chief,” this was originally an English title of nobility before becoming a surname.
2. Eaton: From the Old English words “ea” (river) and “tun” (enclosure), this name indicated a settlement near a river.
3. Eddy: This has two roots; it’s either Gaelic for “instructor” or English for “backward water,” referencing a whirlpool.
4. Edgar: A strong combination of the Old English elements “ead” (wealth, fortune) and “gar” (spear).
5. Edwards: A sophisticated and very common English surname meaning “son of Edward.”
6. Elder: Originally used as a nickname for an elder, older person, or a community leader.
7. Elliott: Derived from the Hebrew name Elijah, this translates to “Jehovah is God.”
8. Ellis: A charming 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: This literally means “son of Emery,” with Emery being a Germanic name defined as “brave” or “powerful.”
11. Eng: An elegant surname meaning “respond” that is common among the Chinese diaspora.
12. Engelmann: Derived from German given names beginning with Engel (angel) and “man.”
13. English: Initially given to English speakers or people from England, particularly in Anglo-Saxon and Norman-French areas.
14. Enriquez: A common name of Spanish origin, Enriquez is a patronymic surname meaning “son of Enrique.”
15. Erickson: A widely used English surname simply meaning “son of Eric.”
16. Eriksen: The Scandinavian form of Erickson, meaning “son of Erik.”
17. Eriksson: Meaning “son of Erik,” this spelling is primarily used in Sweden.
18. Escobar: Of Spanish origin meaning “broom,” this name is historically associated with a type of shrub or sweeping.
19. Espinosa: This Spanish surname means “thorny,” suggesting strength, resilience, or a dwelling near hawthorns.
20. Espinoza: A variation of the Spanish surname Espinosa that is primarily used throughout Latin America.
21. Estrada: Derived from the Spanish word “estrada,” which means “road” or “paved street.”
22. Evans: A classic 5-letter Welsh surname meaning “son of Evan.”
23. Everett: Derived from the Old English name Eoforheard, which translates to the powerful “brave boar.”
24. Ewing: This Scottish surname comes from the Greek Eugenes, meaning “noble” or “well-born.”
25. Eyre: A 4-letter English surname famously linked to Charlotte Brontë’s novel, Jane Eyre.

70 Beautiful Last Names Starting with E

If you want a name that sounds elegant and carries a lovely meaning, check out these exquisite options.

1. Eagan: An Irish variation of the Gaelic Mac Aodhagáin, meaning “the little bright-eyed one.”
2. Eakes: A variant of Oakes, this is a topographic name for someone who lived near an oak tree.
3. Eames: This English surname means “uncle,” suggesting strong family ties and protection.
4. Earley: Derived from the Old English personal name Eorlic, meaning “manly” or “noble.”
5. Earls: An English surname indicating someone of noble rank, title, or service in a noble house.
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 to the east of a main settlement.
9. Easter: From the Middle English “estre,” meaning “sheepfold,” likely denoting a 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: This references a settlement, town, or wooded area located in the east.
13. Eaves: An Old English name for someone who lived “at the edge” of the woods or a hill.
14. Ebersole: This 8-letter Swiss German surname translates to “boar ground.”
15. Ebony: Refers to the dark, valuable wood, evoking a sense of sophistication and deep 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: A classy German surname that 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: A 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, referencing 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 deep religious significance.
28. Ellery: An English surname originating from the medieval masculine name Hilary.
29. Ellington: Associated with multiple towns in England, this combines the 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, this likely referred to someone living near a grove of elm trees.
33. Elmsworth: An Old English surname meaning “elm tree enclosure,” suggesting strength and growth.
34. Elton: Inspired by several places in England, this translates to “Ella’s town.”
35. Elwell: From the Old English word “ælf” (elf) and “well” (spring, stream).
36. Elwood: A 6-letter Old English name with 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: A combination of “ember” and the popular suffix “ly.”
41. Embry: A habitational English surname meaning “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, this name means “great king.”
45. Emeryson: A gorgeous option among E last names, initially used 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,” referencing 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: A locational surname originally denoting a person from England.
52. Ennis: Derived from the Scottish Innes, ultimately from the Gaelic “inis” (island).
53. Enos: A powerful Hebrew surname meaning “man” or “mortal.”
54. Escalante: A Spanish surname derived from “escala” (ladder), referencing Santoña in Spain.
55. Escalera: Meaning “staircase” or “ladder,” this references several Spanish places with terraced slopes.
56. Esmeralda: A beautiful Spanish surname and given name meaning “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: A unique Spanish surname 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: Originally an English place name meaning “boar clearing.”
67. Evers: A cute 5-letter Dutch surname meaning “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: Meaning “brave boar,” this is perfect for a tough and brave family.
8. Eberle: A German Swiss form of Eberhard (brave boar).
9. Eberly: A variation of Eberhard that 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, this means “dweller near the church.”
16. Eck: This 3-letter German surname indicated someone living by the edge of a settlement.
17. Ecker: Derived from the Old High German word “ekka” (corner, edge).
18. Eckert: With Dutch origins, Eckert means “brave point.”
19. Eckstein: Roots in Old High German, denoting 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, this is an occupational name for a “plowman” or “farmer.”
26. Eggers: In North German and Dutch, this 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: A fanciful German surname meaning “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: A powerful German surname meaning “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: 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: 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: A mystical German name 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: 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: 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: A German surname meaning “brave angel” that 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: A habitational Basque surname representing 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: 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: 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 if you want something distinctive. Ebersole is a German family name meaning “boar ground,” while Endres is a patronymic name for a “son of Endre.” In Spanish, Escalera is a unique pick meaning “ladder,” and Esquibel is an exotic Basque name meaning “behind the cliffs.” These are great options if you want to avoid common choices like Evans or Edwards.

Which Nationalities Do Last Names Starting with E Come From?

Surnames starting with E hail from all over the world, but they are most prominent in Germany, England, and Spain. Common German picks include Eberhard (brave boar) and Engelmann. English surnames like Everett and Elder are very popular, while Welsh names like Evans emphasize paternal lineage. In Spain, names like Espina (thorn bush) and Encarnacion are widely used. You will also find Scandinavian names like Eklund and Arabic names like El-Hashem.

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

In the United States, Evans and Edwards are the heavy hitters, meaning “son of Evan” and “son of Edward,” respectively. Ellis and Elliott are also top contenders, both stemming from the Hebrew name Elijah. Erickson is a frequent flyer, indicating paternal lineage as a “son of Erik,” while Eaton is a popular Old English option referencing a riverside settlement.

Who Are Some Famous People With Last Names Starting with E?

There are many notable figures with E surnames. Clint Eastwood is a legendary American actor and director, while Idris Elba is a celebrated British actor. In the music world, you have Billie Eilish and Duke Ellington. Historical figures include Amelia Earhart, the aviation pioneer, and Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th U.S. President.