The name Elroy is a masculine given name of English origin, derived from the Old English elements "el" meaning "elf" or "supernatural being," and "rog" meaning "famous." It is believed to have emerged during the Anglo-Saxon period in Britain, around the 5th to 11th centuries.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Elroy can be found in the Domesday Book, a great survey of England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. This historical document mentions an individual named "Elroi" as a landowner in Lincolnshire.

The name Elroy gained popularity in the Middle Ages and was particularly common among the nobility and gentry of England. It is worth noting that during this time, names were often used to reflect desired qualities or aspirations for a child, and the meaning "famous elf" may have been seen as auspicious.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Elroy. One of the earliest was Elroy of Cerisy (c. 1080 - c. 1150), a Norman nobleman and crusader who fought in the First Crusade and later became the Lord of Cerisy in Normandy, France.

Another prominent figure was Elroy the Red (c. 1200 - c. 1270), a Welsh warrior and military commander who fought against the English during the conquest of Wales in the 13th century. He was known for his fiery red hair and fierce loyalty to the Welsh princes.

In the 16th century, Elroy Bartholomew (c. 1520 - 1589) was an English cartographer and explorer who accompanied Sir Francis Drake on his famous circumnavigation of the globe between 1577 and 1580. His detailed maps and charts were invaluable to the expedition.

During the American Revolutionary War, Elroy Dunbar (1744 - 1815) was a British loyalist who fought alongside the British forces against the American colonists. He later settled in Nova Scotia and became a prominent landowner and public figure.

In more recent times, Elroy Hirsch (1923 - 2004) was an American professional football player and coach. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest receivers in the history of the sport.