Declining since 2020, #461 for girls today.
Popularity of Elle since 1977
Babies named Elle per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 13 |
| 1980s | 193 |
| 1990s | 1,251 |
| 2000s | 5,164 |
| 2010s | 8,105 |
| 2020s | 4,521 |
Meaning & origin
Since first appearing in U.S. records in 1977, Elle has grown from a rarity into a well-known choice, hitting its peak rank in 2019. It has been on a slight downward trend since 2020, but it remains a stylish option. The name is particularly favored in the District of Columbia, Nevada, and West Virginia, suggesting a modern, urban appeal. With a 2025 rank of 461 and a 1-in-2,406 incidence, Elle offers a concise, feminine sound that feels both classic and contemporary. Its origin as a French pronoun and connection to longer traditional names gives it depth without sacrificing simplicity.
Elle is the French feminine pronoun meaning 'she'. It emerged as an independent given name in English-speaking countries during the late 20th century, initially as a nickname for Eleanor, Elizabeth, or Ellen before becoming a standalone choice. Its rise may have been influenced by the fashion for short, sleek names and the popularity of model Elle Macpherson. The name has steadily gained favor, peaking in 2019.
Where Elle 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.
“Elle” around the world
Where Elle lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
23
babies in 2025
New Zealand
10
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ellie
Sibling names for Elle
Names that share Elle's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Elle
Names whose popularity has moved with Elle's over the last 50 years.
