Elisa is a feminine given name of Italian and Spanish origin. It is derived from the Latin word "Aelius", which means "noble" or "eloquent". In some cases, Elisa can also be considered a variant of the Hebrew name Elizabeth, meaning "God is my oath".
The name Elisa has been used throughout history by several notable figures. One of the most famous was Empress Elisabeth of Austria (1837-1898), who was known for her beauty and kindness. She was married to Emperor Franz Joseph I and was a beloved figure in Europe during her time.
In literature, Elisa is also the name of the main character in the 20th-century novel "The House of the Spirits" by Isabel Allende. This character is portrayed as strong-willed and independent, reflecting some of the positive attributes associated with the name.
Overall, the name Elisa carries a sense of elegance and nobility due to its Latin origin. It has been used throughout history by prominent figures, both in real life and literature, contributing to its rich historical significance.
The name Elisa has been given to a total of 143 girls born in the United States since 1921, according to available statistics. The name's popularity has fluctuated over time.
Elisa was most commonly given to newborns during the late 1980s and early 1990s, with a peak of 12 births in 1987 and another high of 11 births in 1981. The name remained popular throughout the 1980s and into the early 1990s, with at least five births recorded each year from 1982 to 1992.
However, Elisa's popularity began to decline in the late 1990s, with only seven births recorded in 1992. The name continued to be given occasionally throughout the early 2000s and 2010s, but at a much lower rate than during its peak years.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence in popularity for the name Elisa. Six girls were named Elisa in both 2023 and 2012, indicating that the name may be experiencing a renewed interest among parents-to-be in the United States.
Overall, while Elisa may not have been one of the most popular names given to newborns in the United States during its peak years, it has consistently appeared on birth records since at least 1921. Its recent resurgence suggests that it continues to be a name that resonates with parents today.