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Eliza Girl

Popularity: #118 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

Pronunciationih-LIE-zuh / ɪˈlaɪ.zə

Hebrew; English

Meaning

Hebrew: God is my oath; English: noble

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Eliza is derived from the Hebrew name Elisheva, which means "God is my oath." This name was adopted into Greek as Elisabet and later into Latin as Elisabeth. The transition into Old French as Élisabeth occurred during the medieval period, which subsequently influenced the English form Eliza. The name gained prominence in England through the biblical figure Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, who is mentioned in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospel of Luke, dating to the 1st century CE.

Eliza's historical significance is further bolstered by its association with notable figures, including Queen Elizabeth I of England, who reigned from 1558 to 1603 and is often credited with the flourishing of English drama and the arts during the Elizabethan era. The name also appears in various literary works, such as in George Bernard Shaw's play "Pygmalion," published in 1913, where the character Eliza Doolittle becomes a symbol of transformation and social mobility. This connection to literature and historical figures has contributed to the name's enduring appeal.

Culturally, Eliza has been associated with themes of loyalty and faithfulness, reflecting its etymological roots. The name has also inspired various diminutive forms, such as Liz and Liza, which have been used in different contexts throughout history. The name's resonance in both religious and secular narratives has allowed it to maintain a significant presence across cultures and eras, embodying a blend of tradition and adaptability.

Trend Summary

Eliza has seen a resurgence in popularity in the United States, particularly in the 21st century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Liz
  • Liza
  • Beth

International Variants

  • Elisa (Italian)
  • Elisabeth (German)
  • Elisabet (Swedish)

Famous people named Eliza

Eliza Dushku is an actress best known for Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, and Tru Calling.

Eliza Taylor is an actress best known for The 100, Neighbours, and The November Man.

Eliza Coupe is an actress best known for Happy Endings, Scrubs, and Future Man.

Eliza J. Schuyler Hamilton is known for her role in the musical Hamilton.

Fictional characters named Eliza

Eliza Doolittle is a fictional character from the play and film My Fair Lady. She is a flower girl who undergoes a transformation into a refined lady through the teachings of Professor Henry Higgins.

Eliza Hamilton is a fictional character from the musical Hamilton. She is the devoted wife of Alexander Hamilton and plays a crucial role in his life and legacy.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Eliza was first seen in the United States in 1880. Eliza has ranked as high as #258 nationally, which occurred in 2021, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, North Carolina, and Virginia. In the past 5 years the name Eliza has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Eliza (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 189
9%
TX 188
9%
FL 107
5%
OH 107
5%
NC 102
5%
NY 96
4%
GA 85
4%
IL 81
4%
TN 81
4%
PA 77
3%
IN 70
3%
VA 68
3%
MO 57
3%
MA 54
2%
UT 54
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880252
1881238
1882280
1883274
1884280
1885300
1886287
1887290
1888343
1889307
1890297
1891280
1892285
1893272
1894297
1895273
1896260
1897244
1898259
1899256
1900335
1901207
1902249
1903247
1904204
1905222
1906209
1907232
1908243
1909249
1910273
1911258
1912297
1913315
1914311
1915356
1916328
1917377
1918386
1919388
1920392
1921352
1922361
1923333
1924359
1925335
1926311
1927286
1928239
1929259
1930246
1931205
1932238
1933197
1934175
1935158
1936146
1937132
1938168
1939152
1940148
1941146
1942151
1943138
1944134
1945160
1946133
1947118
1948119
1949144
1950122
1951129
1952102
195398
195487
1955121
1956106
1957115
195891
195986
1960100
196191
196293
196397
196485
196596
1966110
1967101
1968111
1969123
1970157
1971115
1972146
1973154
1974141
1975147
1976198
1977223
1978203
1979243
1980275
1981277
1982300
1983280
1984244
1985242
1986231
1987293
1988329
1989303
1990424
1991385
1992339
1993403
1994379
1995506
1996539
1997570
1998573
1999631
2000759
2001806
2002830
2003944
2004991
20051,046
20061,015
20071,007
20081,028
20091,182
20101,310
20111,260
20121,420
20131,621
20141,604
20151,835
20161,867
20172,084
20182,265
20192,454
20202,349
20212,481
20222,345
20232,358
20242,303