MallowbyNames

Elvi

EL-vee · Of uncertain origin; possibly derived from the Old Norse name Alfvin, meaning 'elf friend,' or a short form of Elvira.

2025 rank (girls)
#8,362
Babies named in 2025
12
Peak popularity
1917
2025 frequency
1 in 133,939 girls
Usually for
Girls & boys
Trend
Rising since 2020

A 1910s favorite, climbing again.

Popularity of Elvi since 1913

Babies named Elvi per year in U.S. Social Security records.

61218192019602000Most births 1917GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
1910s660
1920s370
1930s00
1940s00
1950s00
1960s00
1970s00
1980s00
1990s00
2000s016
2010s00
2020s360

Meaning & origin

Elvi is an uncommon, unisex name that has seen a revival in recent years. First recorded in the United States in 1913, it reached its peak popularity in 1917, when it ranked highest among years of data. After decades of decline, the name began a steady rise in usage starting in 2020, and in 2025 it was given at a rate of approximately 1 in 133,939 births, placing it at rank 8,362. The name's origins are debated, with possible Scandinavian roots meaning 'elf friend' or connections to the Gothic-derived Elvira. Despite its rarity, Elvi has appeared in top states like Minnesota and North Dakota, reflecting its Scandinavian heritage. Its revival mirrors a broader trend towards vintage and minimalist names.

Elvi may be a Finnish masculine name, a variant of Elvin, or a short form of Elvira. In Scandinavian contexts, it is sometimes traced to the Old Norse Alfvin, composed of alfr 'elf' and vinr 'friend.' As a feminine name, it is used in Spanish and Italian as a diminutive of Elvira, which is of Gothic origin meaning 'all true' or 'noble.' The name appeared in the United States in the early 20th century, with peak usage in 1917.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: El

Variants: Elvy, Alvi, Elvira

Sibling names for Elvi

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

Sisters: Elsa, Ingrid, Svea, Mira, Stella

Brothers: Erik, Leif, Arvid, Milo, Finn

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

E is for Elvi, our favorite little person.

E is for Elvi…”

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

Make Elvi's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Elvi mean?
The meaning of Elvi is uncertain. It is possibly a Finnish masculine name derived from Old Norse meaning 'elf friend,' or a short form of Elvira, which is of Gothic origin and may mean 'all true.'
How popular is the name Elvi currently?
Elvi is a rare name in the United States. In 2025, it ranked 8,362 with about 1 in 133,939 births, and its usage has been rising since 2020.
Is Elvi a boy or girl name?
Elvi is used for both boys and girls, though historically in the U.S. it has been more common for boys. In Finland, it is traditionally a masculine name.