Elliot is a unique and distinctive male given name of English origin. The name Elliot is derived from the Old Norse word "Eilífr," which itself comes from the Proto-Germanic elements "*ailaz" meaning "other, foreign" and "*kleuza" meaning "fame." Therefore, Elliot's meaning can be interpreted as "famous warrior."
The name Elliot has a rich history that dates back to medieval England. It was originally used as a surname before evolving into a given name. One of the earliest known records of the name Elliot is from the 13th century, where it appears in the forms "Elyot" and "Elot." Over time, the name became more popular and began to be used as a first name.
Elliot gained significant popularity during the Victorian era (1837-1901) when Queen Victoria's children and grandchildren contributed to its rise in usage. The most notable example is Prince Albert Victor, also known as Eddy, who was the eldest son of King Edward VII and a grandson of Queen Victoria. His nickname "Eddy" was derived from his full name Albert Victor, which helped popularize the short form Elliot.
In modern times, Elliot has continued to grow in popularity, especially in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the U.S., Elliot reached its peak popularity during the 1980s and early 1990s, ranking among the top 500 names for boys during those years.
Today, Elliot remains a sought-after name for parents looking for an attractive and meaningful option for their baby boy. Its unique sound and rich history make it an appealing choice for those who appreciate classic yet distinctive names with a strong heritage.
The name Elliot has seen a significant rise in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. In the early years of record-keeping, from 1880 to 1924, the number of births with the name Elliot ranged from a low of 5 to a high of 118, with an average of around 30 births per year.
However, starting in the late 1970s and early 1980s, there was a notable increase in popularity for the name Elliot. In 1982, there were 404 births, more than doubling from the previous year's total of 153 births. This trend continued throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with the number of births exceeding 500 annually by the mid-1990s.
The early 2000s marked a significant turning point for Elliot's popularity. In 2000, there were 503 births, which increased to 812 births in 2006 and reached an all-time high of 2530 births in 2022. This growth reflects a rise of nearly fivefold compared to the early years of record-keeping.
The total number of births with the name Elliot in the United States from 1880 to 2023 is estimated to be around 53,781. This statistic represents the collective popularity and enduring appeal of the name Elliot over more than a century.