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Elsie Girl

Popularity: #152 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationEL-see / ˈɛl.si

English; Scottish

Meaning

God's promise; pledged to God

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Elsie is derived from the Hebrew name Elisheba, meaning "God is my oath." This name was adopted into Greek as Elisabet and subsequently into Latin as Elisabeth. The name made its way into Old French as Élisabeth, which later influenced the English form Elizabeth. The diminutive Elsie emerged as a pet form of Elizabeth, particularly in Scotland, during the 19th century, where it gained popularity as an independent name.

Historically, the name Elizabeth has significant biblical roots, being borne by the mother of John the Baptist, as mentioned in the New Testament. The name was also popularized by several queens and notable figures throughout history, including Elizabeth I of England, who reigned from 1558 to 1603 and is often regarded as one of the most influential monarchs in English history. The name's enduring presence in literature and culture can be traced through various works, including the King James Bible, which helped solidify its usage in English-speaking countries.

Culturally, the name Elsie has been associated with qualities such as loyalty and faithfulness, reflecting its etymological roots. The name has also appeared in various literary and artistic contexts, contributing to its resonance in Western culture. The use of Elsie as a diminutive form of Elizabeth highlights the affection and familiarity often associated with the name, further embedding it in the social fabric of English-speaking societies. Overall, Elsie's historical and cultural significance is deeply intertwined with its origins and the broader legacy of the name Elizabeth.

Trend Summary

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

Similar Names

Variants

  • Elsey
  • Elzie

International Variants

  • Elsa (German)
  • Elisa (Italian)
  • Elise (French)

Famous people named Elsie

Elsie Fisher is an actress best known for Eighth Grade, The Addams Family, and The Secret Life of Pets.

Elsie de Wolfe is an interior designer best known for her work in the early 20th century and her book The House in Good Taste.

Elsie Janis is an actress and singer best known for her performances in vaudeville and on Broadway during the early 1900s.

Elsie B. Smith is a notable educator best known for her contributions to early childhood education and her work with the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Fictional characters named Elsie

Elsie Dinsmore is a fictional character from the book series Elsie Dinsmore. She is a young girl known for her strong moral character and faith as she navigates the challenges of her upbringing.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Elsie was first seen in the United States in 1880. Elsie has ranked as high as #87 nationally, which occurred in 1918, and has been most popular in Pennsylvania, New York, Illinois, Virginia, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Elsie has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Elsie (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 135
8%
MN 99
6%
OH 95
5%
TX 92
5%
PA 86
5%
NC 77
4%
IL 69
4%
TN 67
4%
MO 66
4%
UT 66
4%
WI 65
4%
WA 63
4%
IN 59
3%
FL 59
3%
VA 51
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880301
1881344
1882448
1883479
1884549
1885685
1886698
1887833
18881,112
18891,199
18901,220
18911,303
18921,489
18931,586
18941,716
18951,795
18961,878
18971,763
18981,919
18991,706
19002,045
19011,747
19021,720
19031,720
19041,719
19051,811
19061,771
19071,872
19081,983
19092,064
19102,141
19112,224
19122,895
19133,209
19143,683
19154,967
19165,027
19174,939
19185,194
19194,995
19204,993
19214,879
19224,618
19234,550
19244,499
19254,146
19263,910
19273,803
19283,470
19293,230
19302,973
19312,807
19322,554
19332,376
19342,270
19352,075
19361,874
19371,938
19381,775
19391,703
19401,466
19411,416
19421,398
19431,245
19441,095
1945977
19461,041
1947953
1948903
1949729
1950689
1951631
1952575
1953593
1954549
1955526
1956477
1957499
1958416
1959401
1960348
1961346
1962309
1963301
1964248
1965253
1966228
1967199
1968165
1969166
1970159
1971141
1972130
1973134
1974144
1975142
1976113
1977108
197897
1979128
1980121
1981113
1982100
1983103
1984108
1985130
1986116
1987122
1988131
1989129
1990144
1991134
1992152
1993144
1994149
1995169
1996128
1997138
1998151
1999147
2000147
2001152
2002176
2003182
2004210
2005271
2006308
2007317
2008405
2009426
2010462
2011621
2012788
2013857
20141,005
2015848
2016980
20171,092
20181,192
20191,288
20201,269
20211,345
20221,562
20231,756
20241,901