An old Borders family, the name derives from Elwald or Elwold, an Anglo-Saxon forename and, until the middle of the 17th century, were known as Ellot (no 'i'). While the origins of the family are obscure, it is suggested they were brought to Liddesdale from Angus by Robert the Bruce to consolidate his hold on the region, having deposed William de Soulis, Lord of Liddesdale, who was accused of treason. The Elliots built numerous towers to secure their property. Robert Elliot, the 13th Chief, was killed at Flodden in 1513 but the family are best known as reivers constantly in dispute with their neighbours. They took revenge after the Scotts executed one of their kinsmen in 1565 and the resulting battle brought significant casualties on both sides.
The main forms of the name, used by the different branches of the family, are summarised in the following rhyme:
The double L and single T
Descend from Minto and Wolflee,
The double T and single L
Mark the old race in Stobs that dwell,
The single L and single T
The Eliots of St Germains be,
But double T and double L
Who they are nobody can tell.
The Earldom of Minto is held by the Elliots (Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound). Other notable members of the family are song-writer Jean Elliot (1727 - 1805); Andrew Elliott (1728-97), who was the last British Governor of New York; Sir Charles Elliot (1801-75), Governor of Bermuda, Trinidad and St Helena; Olympic medal-winning weight-lifter Launceston Elliot (1874 - 1930); Walter Elliot (1888 - 1958) who became Secretary of State for Scotland; rugby-player Douglas Elliot (1923 - 2005); Dr. Alison Elliot (b.1948), the first female Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
