Holding steady.
Popularity of Elward since 1912
Babies named Elward per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 62 |
| 1920s | 111 |
| 1930s | 75 |
| 1940s | 39 |
| 1950s | 19 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Elward is a rare Americanized given name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1912, during a period when many novel names were formed from familiar sounds and suffixes. Its most frequent use occurred in the 1920s, with a peak in 1923, but it never reached a level of popularity that would place it among the top 1000 names. The name's trajectory has remained stable, meaning it has not seen a noticeable revival or decline since its mid-century obscurity. With no associations to any specific geographic region or cultural tradition, Elward remains a distinctive and unusual choice, likely appealing to parents seeking a name that sounds both masculine and unique.
The name Elward appears to be a modern English creation, possibly formed by combining the popular prefix 'El-' (as in names like Elmer or Elton) with the suffix '-ward' (meaning 'guard'). Some sources suggest it could be a variant of Elwood, which derives from an Old English place name meaning 'elder-tree wood.' However, its documented use as a given name dates only to the early 20th century, and no ancient roots have been established.
Sibling names for Elward
Names that share Elward's style, for a brother or sister.
