Elsie is a charming and unique given name of English origin. It is derived from the name Elizabeth, which has its roots in the Hebrew language and means "God is my oath" or "God is my salvation". The name Elsie is a diminutive form of Elizabeth and has been used as an independent name since the 19th century.
Elsie was first popularized by Louisa May Alcott's novel "Little Women," published in 1868. In the story, one of the main characters is named Beth, who is often referred to as Elsie by her family and friends. This portrayal helped to bring attention to the name Elsie and contributed to its growth in popularity.
Throughout history, many notable individuals have borne the name Elsie. One of the most famous was Elsie MacGill, a Canadian aeronautical engineer known for designing the Hawker Hurricane fighter aircraft during World War II. She is often referred to as Canada's first female aircraft designer and played an essential role in the war effort.
Today, Elsie continues to be a beloved name among English-speaking families. Its unique yet approachable sound makes it an appealing choice for parents looking for a distinctive name with a strong historical foundation. While its popularity has waxed and waned over the years, Elsie remains a timeless classic that pays homage to its rich origins while offering a modern twist on a traditional favorite.
In summary, Elsie is a captivating given name of English origin derived from Elizabeth, meaning "God is my oath" or "God is my salvation". Popularized by Louisa May Alcott's novel "Little Women," Elsie has been worn by notable figures such as Canadian engineer Elsie MacGill. With its charming sound and rich history, Elsie remains a beloved choice among parents today seeking a distinctive yet timeless name for their children.
Elsie is a classic and timeless name that has been given to newborn babies in the United States for over a century. Looking at the statistics from 1880 to 1959, we can see that there were fluctuations in its popularity over time.
The name Elsie first appeared on the baby naming scene in the late 1800s with six births recorded in 1880 and five in 1885. It then began to gain traction, reaching a peak of 36 births in 1927. After this high point, the name's popularity started to decline gradually.
Interestingly, there was a slight resurgence in the 1940s, with a total of 63 births recorded between 1942 and 1946. However, this trend did not continue into the following decades as the total number of Elsie births dropped to just six in 1951 and five in both 1952 and 1959.
Throughout these years, the name Elsie maintained a steady presence among baby names in the United States. Despite fluctuations in popularity, it consistently appeared on the birth records, demonstrating its enduring appeal as a classic choice for parents.
Overall, from 1880 to 1959, there were a total of 886 babies named Elsie born in the United States. This shows that while the name may not have always been at the peak of popularity, it has remained a reliable and well-loved option among parents for generations.