Find out how popular the last name Elfar is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Elfar.

Elfar, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Elfar surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Elfar in America

Elfar is the 119508th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Elfar surname appeared 145 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Elfar.

The history of the last name Elfar

The surname ELFAR is believed to have originated in the region of Scandinavia during the medieval period, likely in the 9th or 10th century. It is thought to be derived from the Old Norse word "elf," which referred to a mythical creature or spirit of Germanic folklore, and "arr," meaning "warrior" or "brave one." Consequently, the name ELFAR may have been given to someone who was perceived as possessing the courage and strength of an elf-like figure.

Early records suggest that the name was prominent in parts of modern-day Sweden and Norway, particularly in coastal areas where Norse seafarers and Vikings were active. Some historians believe that the name may have been associated with individuals who were skilled in navigation or maritime exploration, as the mythical elves were often associated with the natural world and the sea.

One of the earliest known references to the name ELFAR can be found in the Icelandic Sagas, a collection of literary works dating back to the 13th century. These sagas often mentioned individuals with the surname ELFAR, suggesting that the name had already gained recognition and significance in Norse societies by that time.

In the 14th century, a notable figure bearing the surname ELFAR was Thorvald ELFAR (c. 1320-1385), a Norwegian explorer and navigator who is said to have sailed to Greenland and the coasts of North America. His expeditions and achievements were documented in several historical accounts, contributing to the name's association with seafaring and exploration.

Another prominent individual with the surname ELFAR was Ingrid ELFAR (c. 1450-1520), a Swedish noblewoman and landowner who played a significant role in the political and social affairs of her time. She is mentioned in various medieval records and is known for her involvement in disputes over land rights and inheritance.

During the Renaissance period, the name ELFAR gained recognition in the arts and literature. One notable figure was Olaf ELFAR (c. 1570-1640), a Danish playwright and poet who wrote several influential works that explored themes of Norse mythology and folklore. His works helped preserve and popularize the cultural significance of the name ELFAR.

In the 18th century, a Swedish military officer named Erik ELFAR (1705-1780) gained fame for his bravery and leadership during the Great Northern War. His exploits on the battlefield were documented in historical accounts, further strengthening the name's association with courage and valor.

As the name ELFAR spread across Scandinavia and beyond, it underwent various spelling variations and adaptations to suit different languages and cultures. However, its roots in Norse mythology and the concept of the brave and adventurous spirit remained intact, solidifying its place in the rich tapestry of Scandinavian surnames.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Elfar

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Elfar.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Elfar was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Elfar was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Elfar, please contact us.

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