A 1890s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Elsie since 1880
Babies named Elsie per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1918, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Elsie's real moment was 1896.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 6,648 |
| 1890s | 16,375 |
| 1900s | 18,452 |
| 1910s | 39,274 |
| 1920s | 42,098 |
| 1930s | 22,345 |
| 1940s | 11,223 |
| 1950s | 5,356 |
| 1960s | 2,564 |
| 1970s | 1,295 |
| 1980s | 1,174 |
| 1990s | 1,456 |
| 2000s | 2,597 |
| 2010s | 9,134 |
| 2020s | 10,081 |
Meaning & origin
Elsie, a name with deep Scottish roots, has seen a remarkable revival in recent decades. After first appearing in U.S. records in 1880, it reached its peak popularity in 1896, when it ranked among the top names. Following a long decline, the name began a steady climb around 1985 that continues today, with its latest rank in 2025 at 123. It is particularly beloved in states like North Dakota, Wyoming, and South Dakota, where its vintage charm resonates with parents seeking a name that feels both classic and fresh. The name's 1-in-719 frequency reflects its steady but not overwhelming popularity, making it a distinctive yet familiar choice.
Elsie originated as a Scottish diminutive of Elizabeth, itself derived from the Hebrew Elisheba (אֱלִישֶׁבַע), meaning 'God is my oath' or 'pledged to God.' In Scotland, Elsie was used as an independent name from at least the 16th century. It spread to England and later to other English-speaking countries, often as a pet form of Elspeth, the Scots variant of Elizabeth.
Where Elsie 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.
“Elsie” around the world
Where Elsie lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Ireland
#55
in 2025
New Zealand
#42
in 2025
Quebec
16
babies in 2025
Australia (NSW)
#24
in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec) · NSW Registry of BDM (Australia (NSW)).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Els, Ellie, El
Sibling names for Elsie
Names that share Elsie's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Hazel, Mae, Ivy, Clara, Nora, Isla, Alta, Lela, Leta, Maisie, Rennie, Avie, Elzie, Florrie, Irine, Kennie, Lenna, Lossie, Minta, Romie, Versie, Adelie, Ailie, Ardie, Argie, Avri, Brooksie, Clydia, Etter, Harlo, Helon, Malissie, Masie, Maysie, Shevy, Trilby, Yides, Aivy, Albirta, Alcie, Allis, Cressie, Darcus, Dellia, Elery, Elfie, Elky, Izzie, Jemmie, Laini, Leita, Lilliemae, Mahaley, Mee, Melvie, Modell, Oletta, Shelvie, Wynnie, Clytee, Elzina, Airlie, Aisla, Alsie, Arra, Dearie, Delsy, Earsie, Elgene, Epsie, Ercie, Estie, Itzy, Leisel, Lenzie, Livvie, Lowe, Lurie, Maesie, Margree, Mercia, Mertha, Nimsi, Reizy, Sibley, Virtie, Wilba, Winslet
Brothers: Otis, Arlo, Miles, Calvin, Theodore, Alton, Archie, Ollie, Acie, Aleck, Eldon, Felton, Gus, Milo, Olen, Ozie, Wilber, Wilmer, Wilton, Alvie, Arch, Arvel, Elroy, Elson, Estill, Eston, Ewell, Len, Obie, Ossie, Ozell, Albie, Alferd, Alson, Arbie, Arvie, Clenton, Colbert, Colvin, Haskel, Hughey, Ilo, Medford, Milfred, Orrie, Welford, Alvey, Arby, Audy, Bartlett, Calton, Elver, Elzy, Esco, Ferdie, Filmore, Lewie, Milbert, Odies, Orvill, Osker, Rawleigh, Welby, Wilkie, Willmer, Leston, Olander, Alby, Alver, Chisum, Elber, Elick, Elzia, Enock, Garvis, Halton, Hendry, Ikey, Luie, Milferd, Oley, Olman, Oney, Orvie, Tillmon, Willet, Willman
Names like Elsie
Names whose popularity has moved with Elsie's over the last 50 years.
