Holding steady.
Popularity of Else since 1884
Babies named Else per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1932, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Else's real moment was 1892.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 15 |
| 1890s | 65 |
| 1900s | 24 |
| 1910s | 59 |
| 1920s | 78 |
| 1930s | 83 |
| 1940s | 13 |
| 1950s | 17 |
| 1960s | 11 |
| 1970s | 11 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 14 |
| 2000s | 67 |
| 2010s | 52 |
| 2020s | 5 |
Meaning & origin
Else is a name that has largely faded from American use but carries a quaint, vintage charm. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1884, during a period when many Germanic and Scandinavian names were more common among immigrant communities. The name reached its peak popularity in 1892, a time when similar concise names were fashionable. Despite its low usage today, Else remains a recognized name in Germany and Scandinavia, often considered a standalone derivative of Elisabeth. Its trajectory has been stable but minimal, with no significant resurgence in recent decades.
Else is a name with multiple possible origins. In German-speaking countries, it is often used as a short form of Elisabeth, ultimately from Hebrew Elisheva, meaning 'God is my oath.' In Scandinavia, Else is an independent name dating back centuries, possibly derived from the same root or from Old Norse elements. The name was common in Germany and Scandinavia in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Else
Names that share Else's style, for a brother or sister.
