A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Eliza since 1880
Babies named Eliza per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2021, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Eliza's real moment was 1880.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 2,851 |
| 1890s | 2,723 |
| 1900s | 2,397 |
| 1910s | 3,289 |
| 1920s | 3,227 |
| 1930s | 1,817 |
| 1940s | 1,391 |
| 1950s | 1,057 |
| 1960s | 1,007 |
| 1970s | 1,725 |
| 1980s | 2,774 |
| 1990s | 4,750 |
| 2000s | 9,608 |
| 2010s | 17,726 |
| 2020s | 14,227 |
Meaning & origin
Eliza is a name that has stood the test of time without feeling dated. Its peak year of 1880 saw it at its highest popularity rank (1st), though it remained in use throughout the 20th century. Since 1985 it has been steadily rising again, reflecting a broader revival of Victorian-era names. In 2025 it ranked 115th (1 in 678 girls), and the states with the highest relative usage in recent years were Wyoming, Vermont, and West Virginia. Its connection to Elizabeth gives it a strong biblical heritage, while its short, lively sound keeps it current. Eliza works well as a standalone name, having shed its image as merely a nickname long ago, and it pairs naturally with many classic and modern sibling names. Parents drawn to names like Ellie, Amelia, Josephine, Elena, and Emelia often consider Eliza as well.
Eliza originated as a short form of Elizabeth, the English form of the Hebrew name Elisheba, meaning 'God is my oath' or 'God is abundance.' It has been used as an independent given name since at least the 18th century, appearing in literary works such as Laurence Sterne's 'A Sentimental Journey' (1768). The name saw steady usage in the 19th century and has experienced a resurgence in recent decades.
Where Eliza 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.
“Eliza” around the world
Where Eliza lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
55
babies in 2024
Ireland
27
babies in 2025
New Zealand
20
babies in 2025
Quebec
7
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Liz, Liza, Ellie, Eli
Sibling names for Eliza
Names that share Eliza's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Charlotte, Grace, Eleanor, Clara, Hazel, Josephine, Naomi, Audry, Deliah, Evelina, Leighton, Lilah, Sariah, Abilene, Adalia, Emori, Mattea, Olevia, Aleina, Anetta, Lenzy, Litzi, Meliza, Prescilla, Toria, Abagale, Alaiza, Alitza, Amea, Arminta, Edwena, Kathrina, Lariza, Lucindy, Mahalie, Marelin, Clariza, Ezella, Adaleyza, Adeliz, Alizia, Iliza, Julya, Matalie
Brothers: Henry, Oliver, Samuel, Benjamin, Theodore, Noah, Everette, Lowell, Christofer, Junious, Talmage, Cezar, Eliga, Lukus, Mosiah, Parley, Aiken, Alanson, Asberry, Chilton, Moroni, Mycah, Theodus, Williom, Ezekiah, Varick
Names like Eliza
Names whose popularity has moved with Eliza's over the last 50 years.
