A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Elmira since 1880
Babies named Elmira per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1921, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Elmira's real moment was 1889.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 211 |
| 1890s | 308 |
| 1900s | 389 |
| 1910s | 819 |
| 1920s | 903 |
| 1930s | 520 |
| 1940s | 390 |
| 1950s | 332 |
| 1960s | 180 |
| 1970s | 87 |
| 1980s | 32 |
| 1990s | 26 |
| 2000s | 19 |
| 2010s | 88 |
| 2020s | 56 |
Meaning & origin
Elmira is a name that peaked in popularity in 1889 and then gradually faded, but it has seen a revival over the past two decades. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1880, and by 2025 it ranked 8,860th, with approximately 1 in 146,115 newborns receiving it. Its trajectory has been rising since 2005, suggesting a modest comeback for this vintage-sounding name. The name's origin is debated; while it is often linked to the Arabic 'amīra' meaning 'princess', it may also have been influenced by the place name Elmira, New York. Elmira has never been a top-1000 staple, but its revival may appeal to parents seeking a rare, melodic name with historical roots.
Elmira is most likely a feminine form of the Arabic name Amir, meaning 'prince' or 'commander', via Spanish or Portuguese influence. It emerged in the English-speaking world in the late 19th century, possibly inspired by the city of Elmira, New York. The name saw modest use in the United States during the 1880s and 1890s but declined over the 20th century, with a recent revival beginning around 2005.
“Elmira” around the world
Where Elmira lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: El, Mira, Ellie
Variants: Elmyra
Sibling names for Elmira
Names that share Elmira's style, for a brother or sister.
