A 1900s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Elvira since 1880
Babies named Elvira per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1920, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Elvira's real moment was 1909.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 446 |
| 1890s | 884 |
| 1900s | 1,393 |
| 1910s | 4,229 |
| 1920s | 5,444 |
| 1930s | 3,210 |
| 1940s | 2,371 |
| 1950s | 2,212 |
| 1960s | 1,725 |
| 1970s | 1,395 |
| 1980s | 1,172 |
| 1990s | 1,022 |
| 2000s | 724 |
| 2010s | 532 |
| 2020s | 475 |
Meaning & origin
Elvira first appeared in U.S. records in 1880 and reached its peak popularity in 1909. After decades of decline, the name has been rising again since 2011. Today, it ranks 1710, with a rarity of about 1 in 13,506 newborns. The name is most popular in Arizona, Michigan, and Virginia. Its uncertain etymology and historical use among Spanish royalty give it an air of mystery and elegance, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive yet classic name.
The name Elvira is of disputed origin. One theory derives it from a Gothic name composed of elements meaning 'true' and 'all'. Another traces it to the Old High German 'alb' meaning 'elf' combined with 'wīra' meaning 'true'. The name was borne by several Spanish queens and saints, contributing to its historical use in Spain and Portugal, and later spreading to English-speaking countries.
Where Elvira 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.
“Elvira” around the world
Where Elvira lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
40
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ella, Vira, Eli
Variants: Elvyra, Elvire
Sibling names for Elvira
Names that share Elvira's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Carmen, Isabel, Lucia, Paloma, Sofia, Alvina, Armida, Imelda, Melvina, Alvera, Alverta, Armanda, Corena, Elodia, Elwanda, Hermelinda, Laveta, Luvenia, Abelina, Alvenia, Alverna, Alvira, Laurina, Lovena, Luretha, Marnita, Senaida, Willena, Alzada, Arlita, Briceida, Delberta, Eldonna, Elidia, Eloyce, Elverna, Glenora, Gustavia, Hermila, Idolina, Melvena, Orlinda, Reynalda, Aldina, Almetta, Alnita, Alveda, Alvine, Arcenia, Arneda, Birdena, Cleotilde, Eladia, Eldena, Elnita, Elverta, Lenoria, Leonilda, Leveta, Levora, Malicia, Melvinia, Orvetta, Senovia, Severina, Violanda
Brothers: Diego, Javier, Luis, Mateo, Ramon, Evaristo, Marcial, Alfonza, Alonza, Alvino, Dagoberto, Fidencio, Alvester, Eberardo, Wilberto, Adolpho, Alfonse, Alfonzia, Baldomero, Elpidio, Eluterio, Gumaro, Gustavus, Lestat, Raimundo, Alverto, Cid, Delvis, Durante, Elward, Erminio, Feliberto, Galdino, Hilberto, Ranulfo
