Rising since 1996, #918 for girls today.
Popularity of Elyse since 1913
Babies named Elyse per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 36 |
| 1920s | 71 |
| 1930s | 43 |
| 1940s | 546 |
| 1950s | 1,188 |
| 1960s | 836 |
| 1970s | 763 |
| 1980s | 4,454 |
| 1990s | 2,997 |
| 2000s | 3,682 |
| 2010s | 4,577 |
| 2020s | 2,052 |
Meaning & origin
Elyse is a feminine name that has seen steady use in the United States since the early 20th century, first recorded in 1913. It reached its peak rank of 918 in 1987, with roughly 1 in 5,620 girls receiving the name that year. After a period of decline, it has been rising in popularity since 1996, reflecting a broader trend toward classic-sounding yet distinctive names. Geographically, Elyse has been most popular in Indiana, Wisconsin, and Virginia. Its spelling, a modern variation of Elise, carries a French flair while remaining easy to pronounce and spell. The name's enduring appeal lies in its soft, feminine sound and its connection to the beloved Elizabeth name family, offering a less common alternative to more popular choices like Elise or Alyssa.
Elyse is a modern spelling variant of Elise, itself a French diminutive of Elizabeth. Elizabeth derives from the Hebrew name Elisheva, meaning 'God is my oath' or 'God is abundance.' The spelling with 'y' emerged in the 20th century, possibly influenced by names like Alyssa or Elyse's phonetic appeal.
Where Elyse 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.
“Elyse” around the world
Where Elyse lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
20
babies in 2024
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Quebec
6
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ellie, Ely, Lee
Sibling names for Elyse
Names that share Elyse's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Elyse
Names whose popularity has moved with Elyse's over the last 50 years.
