Rising since 2001, #7,679 for boys today.
Popularity of Elim since 1997
Babies named Elim per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 5 | 0 |
| 2000s | 37 | 51 |
| 2010s | 99 | 162 |
| 2020s | 79 | 113 |
Meaning & origin
Elim is a rare and modern unisex name in the United States, first recorded in the year 2000. Its popularity has been steadily rising since 2001, and it reached its peak ranking of 7679 in 2025, with a 1-in-170,808 incidence rate. The name's origins are uncertain; it may be a biblical variant of Elam or a contemporary invention. Given its recent emergence and modest usage, Elim has not been recorded in any top states. It remains an uncommon choice, appealing to parents seeking a short, distinctive name with a soft sound.
The name Elim appears in the Bible as an alternative spelling of Elam, a son of Shem and a place name. However, its use as a given name in modern times likely arises independently, possibly as a shortened form of names like Elimine or as a creative respelling. Its recent emergence (first recorded in 2000) and modest but rising popularity suggest it is a contemporary invention rather than a traditional name.
Sibling names for Elim
Names that share Elim's style, for a brother or sister.
