Eligh is a unique and distinctively beautiful name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname "O'Liathain," which means "descendant of Liathach." The name Liathach itself comes from an old Irish word meaning "gray" or "speckled."
The history of the O'Liathain clan can be traced back to County Cork in Ireland, where they were one of the prominent septs (clans) during medieval times. The name Eligh is believed to have evolved as a pet form or short version of the female given name Liathach over time.
Despite its Irish roots, Eligh is not a commonly used name in Ireland today. However, it has gained some popularity as a unique and exotic choice for parents looking for an unusual but meaningful name for their daughters. Its rare usage makes it stand out and adds to its charm and allure.
In terms of its meaning, Eligh carries with it the strength and resilience associated with Irish surnames. It is also linked to the color gray or speckled, which can evoke images of wisdom, balance, and adaptability. Those named Eligh may find that their name inspires them to embody these qualities throughout their lives.
Overall, Eligh is a captivating name with a rich history and unique meaning. Its Irish origins give it a sense of heritage and tradition, while its rarity ensures that those who bear the name will always stand out from the crowd.
The given statistics show the annual births of babies named Eligh in the United States from 1906 to 2023. Over this period of time, there have been a total of 1002 births with this name.
From 1906 to 1954, there were very few births each year, ranging from just one birth in some years up to a peak of nine births in 1927. There was no data available for the years between 1939 and 1953.
Starting in 1954, there began to be more consistent annual births with this name, with at least five births each year until the late 1990s. In 1996, there were only five births, but then the number of births started to increase again.
From 2002 onwards, we see a significant rise in the popularity of the name Eligh. The highest number of births was recorded in 2012 with 56 babies named Eligh born that year. This trend continued until around 2017 when the number of births began to decrease again.
In recent years, from 2018 onwards, there has been a noticeable decline in the popularity of the name Eligh, with fewer than 35 births each year. In 2022 and 2023, only 15 and 13 babies respectively were named Eligh at birth.
Overall, while the name Eligh was not particularly popular for much of the 20th century, it has seen periods of increased popularity in recent decades. Despite this, it remains a relatively uncommon name overall with fewer than 17 births recorded each year since 2018.