Rising since 2008, #458 for girls today.
Popularity of Elisa since 1880
Babies named Elisa per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 93 |
| 1890s | 128 |
| 1900s | 219 |
| 1910s | 560 |
| 1920s | 1,129 |
| 1930s | 1,056 |
| 1940s | 1,044 |
| 1950s | 2,720 |
| 1960s | 6,196 |
| 1970s | 6,020 |
| 1980s | 6,739 |
| 1990s | 5,569 |
| 2000s | 5,373 |
| 2010s | 6,579 |
| 2020s | 4,236 |
Meaning & origin
Elisa has a long and varied history as a given name. As a short form of Elisabeth, it carries the biblical meaning 'God is my oath,' but has functioned as an independent name for centuries, especially in Italy, Spain, and France. In the United States, Elisa has maintained a steady but modest presence. It was first recorded in 1880 and ranked 458th in 2025, with a frequency of 1 in 2,385 births. Its popularity peaked in 2012, and the name has been rising in usage since 2008. Geographically, Elisa is most common in Arizona, Massachusetts, and Nevada. The name has been borne by literary characters and real-life figures across cultures, giving it a subtle international flair that appeals to parents seeking a classic yet distinctive choice for their daughters.
Elisa is a short form of Elisabeth, which derives from the Hebrew name Elisheva, meaning 'God is my oath.' In many European languages, Elisa has been used as an independent name since the 18th century, particularly in Italy, Spain, and France. The name gained broader international usage through literary works and remains a classic yet underused choice in the English-speaking world.
Where Elisa is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Elisa” around the world
Where Elisa lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
305
babies in 2024
Ireland
10
babies in 2025
Quebec
18
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Eli, Lisa, Lise
Sibling names for Elisa
Names that share Elisa's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Maya, Clara, Stella, Audrey, Iris, Aleida, Delisa, Malisa, Nelida, Angelisa, Dinora, Fransisca, Licia, Merisa, Merita, Alnisa, Annelie, Celisa, Celita, Janitza, Laisa, Laurisa, Valisa, Amarisa, Annina, Corisa, Dorlisa, Enisa, Enrica, Luzia, Melesa, Melisia, Velisa
Brothers: Ethan, Liam, Noah, Oliver, Lucas, Aldo, Anselmo, Arnoldo, Conrado, Erasmo, Melecio, Sylvio, Eliberto, Liborio, Livio, Gildo, Otilio
Names like Elisa
Names whose popularity has moved with Elisa's over the last 50 years.
