Holding steady, #10,107 for girls today.
Popularity of Elke since 1953
Babies named Elke per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 17 |
| 1960s | 354 |
| 1970s | 339 |
| 1980s | 112 |
| 1990s | 73 |
| 2000s | 98 |
| 2010s | 82 |
| 2020s | 41 |
Meaning & origin
Elke is a German and Dutch feminine name with Frisian roots, likely a diminutive of Adelheid meaning 'noble.' In the United States, Elke first appeared in records in 1953 and saw its greatest use during the 1960s, reaching a peak rank in 1968. As of 2025, it ranks 10,107, reflecting its status as an uncommon but established choice. The name's trajectory is stable, with about 1 in 178,585 newborns receiving it, indicating a modest but consistent presence. Though not recorded in any top states, Elke carries a distinct cultural resonance in German-speaking communities.
Elke originated as a Frisian and Low German diminutive of Adelheid, from Old High German adal 'noble' and heit 'kind, sort'. In modern usage, it became established as an independent given name in Germany and the Netherlands, particularly from the mid-20th century onward.
Sibling names for Elke
Names that share Elke's style, for a brother or sister.
