Holding steady, #10,695 for boys today.
Popularity of Elston since 1911
Babies named Elston per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 101 |
| 1920s | 140 |
| 1930s | 73 |
| 1940s | 35 |
| 1950s | 172 |
| 1960s | 250 |
| 1970s | 50 |
| 1980s | 91 |
| 1990s | 56 |
| 2000s | 47 |
| 2010s | 64 |
| 2020s | 41 |
Meaning & origin
Elston is a rare masculine given name that emerged from English surname usage. First recorded in the United States in 1911, it saw its peak popularity in 1961, though it has never been common. In 2025, the name ranked 10,695th, with an estimated 1 in 284,679 newborns receiving the name. Its trajectory has been stable in recent decades, maintaining a low but consistent presence. Elston is not associated with any particular region, as it has not appeared among top states for usage. The name carries a distinctly English, surname-derived feel, appealing to those who favor understated yet traditional choices.
Elston is an English surname derived from a place name. The name originates from Old English elements, likely combining a personal name such as 'Elliði' with 'tun', meaning 'enclosure' or 'settlement'. As a given name, it came into occasional use in the early 20th century, reflecting the broader trend of adopting surnames as first names.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: El, Elly
Sibling names for Elston
Names that share Elston's style, for a brother or sister.

