Holding steady, #7,491 for girls today.
Popularity of Elspeth since 1914
Babies named Elspeth per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 16 |
| 1920s | 25 |
| 1930s | 18 |
| 1940s | 27 |
| 1950s | 33 |
| 1960s | 26 |
| 1970s | 36 |
| 1980s | 240 |
| 1990s | 105 |
| 2000s | 125 |
| 2010s | 164 |
| 2020s | 104 |
Meaning & origin
Elspeth is a distinctly Scottish variant of Elizabeth that has carved out a quiet niche of its own. First recorded for American births in 1914, the name reached its highest usage in 1984, though even then it remained relatively uncommon. As of the most recent data in 2025, Elspeth ranks at 7491st place among girls' names, with approximately 1 in every 114,805 newborns receiving it. Its trajectory has been notably stable, showing neither dramatic rises nor steep declines over the decades. While the name does not appear in the top baby names for any particular state, it carries a strong Scottish heritage that appeals to families seeking a name with Celtic roots. Elspeth offers a distinctive alternative to more common Elizabeth variants, maintaining a classic feel with a touch of old-world charm.
Elspeth is a Scottish variant of Elizabeth, which derives from the Hebrew name Elisheva, meaning "God is my oath" or "God is abundance." It emerged in Scotland as a vernacular form, often recorded in historical documents from the 16th century onward. The name has maintained a consistent but low-level presence in Scotland and England, occasionally appearing in literature and family lineages.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Elsie, Elsa, Lizzie, Beth
Variants: Elspie, Elsbeth, Elspet
Sibling names for Elspeth
Names that share Elspeth's style, for a brother or sister.
