A 1890s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Elder since 1880
Babies named Elder per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2024, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Elder's real moment was 1899.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 45 |
| 1890s | 48 |
| 1900s | 49 |
| 1910s | 191 |
| 1920s | 213 |
| 1930s | 123 |
| 1940s | 94 |
| 1950s | 59 |
| 1960s | 30 |
| 1970s | 49 |
| 1980s | 70 |
| 1990s | 233 |
| 2000s | 422 |
| 2010s | 373 |
| 2020s | 269 |
Meaning & origin
Elder is a rare but historically rooted name that saw its peak popularity in 1899, ranking at its highest during the 1890s. After a long period of decline, the name has been rising in use since 1988, showing a revival in recent years. In 2025, it was given to about 1 in 36,342 boys, placing it at rank 2718. The name is most common in California and Texas, reflecting its scattered but persistent appeal. As a surname-turned-first name, Elder carries a natural, earthy quality similar to other tree-inspired names, and its revival aligns with broader trends toward vintage and nature names.
The name Elder derives from the Old English 'ellern' (elder tree) or from the comparative adjective 'eldra' meaning older. Originally a surname, it was sometimes used as a given name in the 19th century, especially in the United States. Its usage peaked in the 1890s and has seen occasional revival in recent decades.
Where Elder is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Elder
Names that share Elder's style, for a brother or sister.
