Holding steady, #10,695 for boys today.
Popularity of Eldridge since 1880
Babies named Eldridge per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1924, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Eldridge's real moment was 1894.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 85 |
| 1890s | 108 |
| 1900s | 139 |
| 1910s | 655 |
| 1920s | 1,004 |
| 1930s | 675 |
| 1940s | 639 |
| 1950s | 559 |
| 1960s | 419 |
| 1970s | 395 |
| 1980s | 200 |
| 1990s | 147 |
| 2000s | 91 |
| 2010s | 79 |
| 2020s | 52 |
Meaning & origin
Eldridge is a distinctly uncommon given name in the United States, with a history that stretches back to the earliest baby name records in 1880. Its peak year of usage was 1894, when it was more frequently encountered, yet even then it remained a rare choice. In 2025, Eldridge ranked 10,695th, with roughly 1 in 284,679 newborn boys receiving the name, reflecting its stable but minimal presence. The name has never been among the top 1,000 most popular names, and it has maintained a consistent low-level usage without significant revival. While top states for the name are not recorded due to its rarity, Eldridge carries a turn-of-the-century feel, often associated with Puritan-influenced naming traditions. Its etymology is debated, linking it to Old English words for 'old' or 'noble' and 'power', but linguistic ambiguity leaves its precise meaning uncertain. As a surname-turned-first-name, Eldridge offers a distinctive option for parents seeking a name with historical depth and rarity.
Eldridge is an English surname that may derive from Old English 'eald' (old) or 'æðel' (noble) combined with 'ric' (power, ruler). It appears as a given name in the United States from the late 19th century, but its use as a first name has always been rare. The name's precise derivation is uncertain because multiple Old English roots could have produced similar spellings.
Where Eldridge is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: El, Eldy, Ridge
Sibling names for Eldridge
Names that share Eldridge's style, for a brother or sister.
