Elgin is a unique and distinctive given name of Scottish origin. The name is derived from the Gaelic word "Eilginn," which means "the sun." This etymology gives Elgin a vibrant and energetic connotation, with the name often being associated with radiance, warmth, and brilliance.
The name Elgin has a rich history tied to Scotland's past. It is believed that the name originated from a place called Elgin in Moray, Scotland. Elgin was once a significant ecclesiastical center during the Middle Ages and is home to one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Scotland, known as Elgin Cathedral.
Over time, the name Elgin has been popularized by notable individuals bearing this unique moniker. One such person is Thomas Douglas, 5th Earl of Selkirk, who was known for his involvement in the colonization of Canada and his humanitarian efforts during the Highland Clearances. Another famous bearer of the name Elgin is James Bruce, 8th Earl of Elgin, who served as the Governor General of Canada from 1846 to 1854.
Today, Elgin remains a rare and distinctive given name that carries a strong connection to Scottish heritage and history. It is often chosen by parents seeking a unique and meaningful name for their child, with the added benefit of having a clear and profound meaning rooted in Gaelic culture and tradition. The name Elgin continues to embody the spirit of its Gaelic origins, serving as a radiant and inspiring choice for those who wish to honor Scottish heritage or simply appreciate its vibrant etymology.
The name Elgin has been given to babies of both sexes for over a century in the United States, with the first recorded birth in 1886 and the most recent in 2023. The popularity of the name has varied significantly over time, with peaks and troughs in usage.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Elgin was given to between 5 and 15 babies per year, with occasional spikes to as many as 62 births in 1922. The highest number of births recorded for the name Elgin was 69 in 1927.
After World War II, the use of the name Elgin began to decline significantly. Between 1945 and 1970, there were fewer than 30 births per year on average. This trend continued into the 1980s and 1990s, with annual births fluctuating between single digits and low double digits.
In recent years, however, there has been a slight resurgence in the use of the name Elgin. Since 2005, the number of babies named Elgin has ranged from a low of 8 in 2022 to a high of 39 in 2005. The total number of births recorded for the name Elgin since 1886 is 3,941.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Elgin has fluctuated significantly over time, it remains a unique and historic choice for parents looking to give their child a distinctive name with a long history in the United States.