MallowbyNames

Elsworth

ELZ-worth · of uncertain origin; possibly from an English surname denoting a place, meaning 'Ell's enclosure' or 'alder enclosure'.

Peak popularity
1887
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Elsworth since 1881

Babies named Elsworth per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1917, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Elsworth's real moment was 1887.

132740192019602000Most births 1917Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1880s27
1890s0
1900s28
1910s220
1920s266
1930s127
1940s76
1950s53
1960s22
1970s5
1980s5
1990s0
2000s0
2010s0
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Elsworth is a rare boy's name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1881, reaching its peak popularity in 1887. Since then, it has maintained a stable, low-frequency trajectory without entering the top 1000 names. Its 1-in-N statistic is not available due to its rarity, and it has no recorded top states, meaning it has never been regionally concentrated. The name's etymology points to an English surname origin, likely derived from a place name, giving it a sturdy, surname-as-first-name feel. For parents seeking an uncommon vintage name with a straightforward pronunciation and a touch of Old English heritage, Elsworth offers a distinctive choice that remains under the radar.

Elsworth is likely derived from an English habitational surname, itself from a place name. The first element could be the Old English personal name 'Elli' or the word 'alor' (alder), combined with 'worth' (enclosure or farmstead). It was adopted as a given name in the 19th century, peaking in the 1880s and maintaining modest use since.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Els, Worth

Variants: Elsworth

Sibling names for Elsworth

Names that share Elsworth's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

E is for Elsworth, our favorite little boy.

E is for Elsworth…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Elsworth's letter becomes Elsworth's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Elsworth's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Elsworth mean?
The meaning of Elsworth is uncertain, but it is thought to derive from an English place name meaning 'Ell's enclosure' or 'alder enclosure'.
How popular is the name Elsworth?
Elsworth has never ranked in the top 1000 U.S. births. Its peak year was 1887, and it has remained rare, with no recent data indicating a rank.
Is Elsworth a boy or girl name?
Elsworth is predominantly a boy's name, based on historical usage data from the U.S. Social Security Administration.