Elgram

This is a very rare surname which is of Norse-Viking pre 7th Century origins. It derives from the compound personal name 'Aelf-Gramr' which translates as 'the angry elf', despite its appearance a term of endearment. A more common example of this type of origin is 'Elgar' translating as 'the Elf spear' an equally unlikely background. This form of compound was equally popular with the early Anglo-Saxons as well as the later Vikings, the Normans however after 1066 introduced the 'modern' surname, often locational or job descriptive. 'Elgram' or its predecessor 'Algram' is only very rarely in the modern city directions, in itself an indication of late development. An example of the 'link' is the recording of Richard Algram who married Sarah Wellings by Civil Licence on January 29th 1803. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Thomas Algeram, which was dated September 21st 1758, a witness at St. Georges, Stepney, during the reign of King George 11, 'The Last Soldier King', 1727 - 1760. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.