A 1910s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Elwood since 1880
Babies named Elwood per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1921, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Elwood's real moment was 1913.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 274 |
| 1890s | 356 |
| 1900s | 504 |
| 1910s | 3,908 |
| 1920s | 5,494 |
| 1930s | 3,553 |
| 1940s | 2,593 |
| 1950s | 1,642 |
| 1960s | 880 |
| 1970s | 421 |
| 1980s | 233 |
| 1990s | 146 |
| 2000s | 115 |
| 2010s | 339 |
| 2020s | 328 |
Meaning & origin
Elwood is a classic English name that peaked in popularity during the 1910s, reaching its highest rank of 259 in 1913. After decades of decline, it has been steadily rising since 2002. Currently ranked 1,919th in 2025, Elwood is given to approximately 1 in 21,087 boys. It remains most common in Washington, Illinois, and Michigan. The name carries a sturdy, vintage charm rooted in nature, appealing to parents seeking a distinctly old-fashioned yet not overly common choice.
Elwood is an English habitational surname derived from place names meaning 'elder-tree wood'. It transitioned to a given name in the late 19th century, peaking in popularity in the 1910s at rank 259. The name has seen modest revival since 2002, climbing back into occasional use.
Where Elwood is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: El, Woody
Variants: Ellwood, Elwud
Sibling names for Elwood
Names that share Elwood's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Hazel, Mabel, Ruby, Clara, Violet, Lanita, Almeta, Elwanda, Lavonna, Lovetta, Venetta, Derotha, Eldonna, Ellamay, Elverna, Glendola, Glenola, Ivadell, Loletta, Loveta, Vaneta, Arvetta, Eldene, Eulanda, Hazelene, Ladonne, Lendora, Levora, Orella
Brothers: Harold, Chester, Clarence, Wilbur, Earl, Eldridge, Haywood, Durwood, Glenwood, Harlon, Lenwood, Lynwood, Norvell, Norwood, Almond, Derwood, Marvelle, Melford, Arvell, Elray, Elver, Estus, Lynford, Mayford, Rudell, Derward, Elford, Elward, Lannis, Tilford, Woodruff
