A 1920s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Elroy since 1880
Babies named Elroy per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 31 |
| 1890s | 47 |
| 1900s | 92 |
| 1910s | 847 |
| 1920s | 1,541 |
| 1930s | 1,218 |
| 1940s | 966 |
| 1950s | 834 |
| 1960s | 703 |
| 1970s | 377 |
| 1980s | 252 |
| 1990s | 152 |
| 2000s | 98 |
| 2010s | 183 |
| 2020s | 135 |
Meaning & origin
Elroy is a name with regal connotations, derived from the French phrase 'le roi' meaning 'the king'. While it is most familiar as a variant of Leroy, the 'El' prefix gives it a distinct identity. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1880 and saw its peak popularity in 1922, a year that marked the height of its usage before a long decline. In recent decades, however, Elroy has been on a gradual upward trend since 2007, suggesting a slow revival among parents seeking vintage, uncommon names. Today, with a rank of 4,539 and an incidence of 1 in 77,640 births in 2025, Elroy remains a rare but recognizable choice. Its history mirrors that of many early 20th-century names that fell out of fashion and are now being rediscovered.
Elroy is an English name derived from the French phrase 'le roi', meaning 'the king'. It is a variant of Leroy, with the 'El' possibly influenced by the prefix found in names like 'Elmer' or as an independent formation. The name saw modest use in the United States from the late 19th century, peaking in the 1920s.
Where Elroy is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Elroy” around the world
Where Elroy 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: Roy, El
Sibling names for Elroy
Names that share Elroy's style, for a brother or sister.
