Elspeth Girl
Origin(s)
PronunciationEL-speth / ˈɛl.spɛθScottish; Hebrew
Meaning
Scottish: God's promise; Hebrew: pledged to God
Historical & Cultural Background
Elspeth is a Scottish variant of the name Elizabeth, which has roots in Hebrew. The name has been used in Scotland since the Middle Ages and is often associated with Scottish literature and culture. It has a traditional and classic feel, making it a popular choice for girls in various English-speaking countries.
Trend Summary
Elspeth has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, particularly among parents seeking vintage or classic names.
Similar Names
Variants
- Elspie
- Elsie
International Variants
- Elisabeth (German)
- Isabel (Spanish)
- Elisabet (Swedish)
Famous people named Elspeth
Elspeth Huxley was a British author known for her works on Africa and her autobiography.
Elspeth Beard is a British motorcyclist and the first woman to circumnavigate the globe by motorcycle.
Elspeth McEwen was a Scottish artist recognized for her contributions to the art community.
Elspeth Graham is a notable Scottish academic known for her research in education.
Fictional characters named Elspeth
Elspeth is a character in the 'The Obernewtyn Chronicles' by Isobelle Carmody, known for her strong will and magical abilities.
Elspeth is a character in 'The Secret Garden' by Frances Hodgson Burnett, representing innocence and curiosity.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Elspeth was first seen in the United States in 1914. Elspeth has ranked as high as #1083 nationally, which occurred in 1984, and has been most popular in California, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Elspeth has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Elspeth (1991)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 6 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1914 | 5 |
| 1916 | 5 |
| 1917 | 6 |
| 1920 | 6 |
| 1921 | 5 |
| 1925 | 7 |
| 1929 | 7 |
| 1932 | 7 |
| 1934 | 5 |
| 1936 | 6 |
| 1940 | 5 |
| 1942 | 6 |
| 1944 | 6 |
| 1947 | 10 |
| 1950 | 6 |
| 1951 | 9 |
| 1955 | 7 |
| 1957 | 5 |
| 1959 | 6 |
| 1961 | 8 |
| 1962 | 5 |
| 1968 | 8 |
| 1969 | 5 |
| 1971 | 8 |
| 1972 | 5 |
| 1974 | 8 |
| 1977 | 10 |
| 1979 | 5 |
| 1981 | 11 |
| 1982 | 34 |
| 1983 | 26 |
| 1984 | 39 |
| 1985 | 27 |
| 1986 | 34 |
| 1987 | 24 |
| 1988 | 28 |
| 1989 | 17 |
| 1990 | 13 |
| 1991 | 14 |
| 1992 | 15 |
| 1993 | 11 |
| 1994 | 9 |
| 1995 | 9 |
| 1996 | 5 |
| 1997 | 9 |
| 1998 | 11 |
| 1999 | 9 |
| 2000 | 6 |
| 2001 | 12 |
| 2002 | 12 |
| 2003 | 16 |
| 2004 | 9 |
| 2005 | 19 |
| 2006 | 16 |
| 2007 | 10 |
| 2008 | 15 |
| 2009 | 10 |
| 2010 | 15 |
| 2011 | 10 |
| 2012 | 14 |
| 2013 | 14 |
| 2014 | 23 |
| 2015 | 13 |
| 2016 | 19 |
| 2017 | 21 |
| 2018 | 18 |
| 2019 | 17 |
| 2020 | 24 |
| 2021 | 17 |
| 2022 | 17 |
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2024 | 19 |