MallowbyNames

Elesa

eh-LEE-suh · Of uncertain origin; possibly a variant of Elisa or Elsa, or a modern coinage with no specific meaning.

Peak popularity
1963
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Elesa since 1947

Babies named Elesa per year in U.S. Social Security records.

510151960198020002020Most births 1963Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1940s8
1950s46
1960s81
1970s34
1980s11
1990s13
2000s18
2010s5
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Elesa is a rare feminine name that first entered U.S. birth records in 1947. It saw its highest usage in 1963, with a peak that year, but has never ranked among the top 1000 names. According to the latest data from 2025, the name remains extremely uncommon, with an estimated fewer than 5 births per year. Its trajectory is stable, meaning it has neither surged nor declined significantly in recent decades. The name's sound and spelling suggest a connection to the more familiar Elisa or Elsa, but its exact origin is unclear. It may be a modern coinage or a creative variant. No top states are associated with Elesa, reflecting its scattered, low usage across the country.

Elesa likely emerged as a modern variant of names like Elisa or Elsa, both ultimately derived from Elizabeth (Hebrew Elisheva, 'God is my oath'). Alternatively, it may be a creative respelling or a standalone coinage from the mid-20th century. The name first appeared in Social Security records in 1947 and saw modest use in the 1960s, peaking in 1963, but has remained rare.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: El, Ella, Lee

Variants: Elisa, Elsa, Elyssa

Sibling names for Elesa

Names that share Elesa's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Clara, Mae, Lena, Vera, Nora

Brothers: Leo, Owen, Miles, Arthur, Ezra

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

E is for Elesa, our favorite little girl.

E is for Elesa…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Elesa's letter becomes Elesa's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Elesa's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Elesa mean?
Elesa has no widely agreed meaning. It is likely a variant of Elisa or Elsa, which derive from Elizabeth meaning 'God is my oath,' but it may also be a modern invented name.
How popular is the name Elesa?
Elesa has never ranked in the U.S. top 1000. It peaked in 1963 and has remained consistently rare, with fewer than 5 births per year in recent decades.
Is Elesa a boy's or girl's name?
Elesa is overwhelmingly used for girls, with no recorded male usage in Social Security data.