Elan is a unique and distinctive given name of Hebrew origin. The name is derived from the Hebrew word "elan," which means "treebinth" or "oak." In ancient times, the treebinth was considered to be a symbol of strength and resilience due to its robust nature and longevity.
The name Elan is believed to have been popularized by American poet Hart Crane, who used it as a pseudonym in some of his works. However, it is important to note that there is no definitive evidence linking Crane's use of the name to the Hebrew origin or meaning discussed above.
Despite its Hebrew origins and potential literary associations, Elan has not traditionally been a widely-used given name in any particular culture or region. Nevertheless, in recent years, it has begun to gain some popularity as a unique and gender-neutral choice for parents seeking a distinctive name for their child.
In terms of pronunciation, the name Elan is typically pronounced as "EE-lan," with the emphasis on the first syllable. However, it can also be pronounced as "eh-LAHN" or "ay-LAHN," depending on individual preference and regional accent.
Overall, Elan is a name that stands out due to its unique origin, distinctive meaning, and relatively rare usage. Whether inspired by its Hebrew roots or drawn to its unusual sound, those who choose the name Elan for their child are likely seeking a name that reflects their own individuality and desire for something special.
Based on the statistics provided, it's clear that the name Elan has seen a significant rise in popularity over the years, particularly since the late 1970s.
From 1963 to 1985, the number of births with the name Elan varied between a low of 5 in 1963 and a high of 49 in 1986. However, starting from 1986, there was a notable increase in the popularity of this name. Between 1986 and 2005, the number of births with the name Elan ranged from 38 to 77 per year.
The peak period for the name Elan appears to be between 2007 and 2014, during which time there were consistently over 100 births each year. The highest point was reached in 2011 with 136 births that year alone.
After this peak, the popularity of the name Elan has started to decline slightly but remains high compared to its earlier years. In 2020 and 2021, there were still 76 and 95 births respectively.
In total, from 1963 to 2023 (based on available data), there have been a combined 3427 births with the name Elan in the United States. This demonstrates that while the popularity of this name has fluctuated over time, it has consistently remained among the choices for parents naming their children.