The given name Elgin is of Scottish origin, derived from the town of Elgin in Moray, Scotland. The name itself is thought to have Celtic roots, with "Elin" meaning "little island" or "peninsula."

The earliest recorded use of the name Elgin dates back to the 12th century, when it was used to refer to the town itself. Over time, it began to be used as a personal name, likely for individuals who hailed from or had connections to the town of Elgin.

One of the earliest recorded bearers of the name Elgin was Thomas of Elgin, a 14th-century Scottish churchman and historian. He is best known for his work "Liber Pluscardensis," a chronicle of Scottish history.

In the 16th century, Elgin became associated with the powerful Elphinstone family, who were granted the title of Lord Elphinstone of Elgin by King James IV of Scotland in 1510. This helped to further establish the name's prominence in Scottish culture.

A notable figure in the history of the name Elgin was Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin (1766-1841). He was a Scottish nobleman and diplomat who served as the British Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire. He is best known for his controversial removal of the Elgin Marbles from the Parthenon in Athens, which caused a significant controversy and debate over the ownership of cultural artifacts.

Another individual of note was Elgin Baylor (1934-2022), an American professional basketball player who spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers. He was a pioneering figure in the sport and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1977.

In more recent times, the name Elgin has been associated with several notable individuals, including Elgin James (born 1976), an American filmmaker and former gang member; Elgin Lumpkin (born 1976), an American basketball player; and Elgin Baylor Lumpkin (born 2002), a professional basketball player and son of Elgin Lumpkin.