My research has led so far to the following conclusions on these two issues.
The Elward surname is of ancient Saxon origin, and is derived from the first name Agilwardus, which became Aylward, Alward, Elward, Ellward, all different spellings. The name is thus found in England and Ireland (imported with the Saxons) and in Northern Germany, especially the coastal area; Hamburg, Lubeck, Mecklenburg, Danzig, Westpreussen. From both areas (Anglo-Saxon and German) persons with this name emigrated to Canada and the US.
My own branch emigrated from the Hamburg-area to Amsterdam, Holland around 1750. I'm interested in others whose Elward-ancestors originate from these parts.