A 1910s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Elna since 1883
Babies named Elna per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 27 |
| 1890s | 171 |
| 1900s | 313 |
| 1910s | 1,139 |
| 1920s | 1,167 |
| 1930s | 743 |
| 1940s | 448 |
| 1950s | 230 |
| 1960s | 81 |
| 1970s | 32 |
| 1980s | 26 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 5 |
| 2010s | 36 |
| 2020s | 60 |
Meaning & origin
Elna is a name that saw its heyday in the 1910s, peaking in 1917, and after decades of obscurity has been slowly rising again since 2012. In 2025 it ranked #10107, given to roughly 1 in 178,585 girls, making it a rare but not unheard-of choice. Its etymology ties it to the well-loved Eleanor and Helen, carrying the meaning of 'light.' The name has a vintage charm that appeals to parents seeking something distinctive yet grounded in tradition.
Elna is an English name that emerged in the late 19th century, likely as a diminutive of names like Eleanor (from Greek Helenē, meaning 'torch' or 'light') or Elnora, itself a blend of Ella and Nora. It saw its greatest popularity in the 1910s and has since become rare.
“Elna” around the world
Where Elna lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Sibling names for Elna
Names that share Elna's style, for a brother or sister.
