According to the publication " Blacks: The Surnames of Scotland", the family roots are: "ESSLEMONT, FROM THE BARONY OF ESSLEMONT (1609 ESSILMOUNTHE) IN THE PARISH OF ELLON", however, there are a number of know derivations today, EssELmont being very common. Current branches extend to Scotland, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa & France. (Taken from
Esslemont Global Family).