Elise is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It comes from the Latin word "elis" which means "she is". The name Elise has been popular for centuries and has been used by many cultures throughout history.
The name Elise gained popularity in France during the Middle Ages, where it was often given to girls born into noble families. In France, the name was also associated with the French poet and writer, Elisabethville. During this time, the name was typically spelled "Elisabeth" but it was eventually shortened to "Elise".
In the English-speaking world, Elise became popular during the 19th century, thanks in part to the works of Charles Dickens. In his novel "Dombey and Son", Dickens used the character name "Elsie" which helped to introduce the name to a wider audience.
Today, Elise is still a popular name for girls around the world. It has been consistently ranked among the top 1000 names in the United States since the 1970s. The name Elise is often associated with elegance and sophistication due to its Latin origins and historical usage by noble families.
In terms of variants, Elise can also be spelled Elize or Elisia. It is important to note that while Elise is typically a feminine name, there are some instances where it has been used as a masculine name in certain cultures.
The name Elise has been popular among parents in the United States for over a century, with a significant increase in its usage since the late 20th century.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the number of births with the name Elise fluctuated between 24 and 77 per year. The highest point during this period was reached in 1915, with 186 births. However, the usage of the name remained relatively low and steady throughout most of these years.
Starting from the 1950s, there was a noticeable increase in the popularity of the name Elise. In 1951, there were 291 births, which more than doubled compared to the previous year. This trend continued, reaching a peak of 2,121 births in 2012.
The total number of births with the name Elise in the United States from 1880 to 2023 is 72,537. This demonstrates that while Elise may not have been one of the most popular names throughout history, it has certainly become more widespread and beloved by parents in recent decades.
It's interesting to note that the popularity of the name Elise seems to correlate with broader trends in naming patterns. As society becomes more diverse and open-minded, parents may be drawn to unique and less common names like Elise for their children. Additionally, the influence of popular culture, such as movies, books, and television shows, can also contribute to the rise in popularity of certain names.
In conclusion, while the name Elise has been around for a long time, it has experienced periods of higher and lower usage throughout history. However, since the mid-20th century, there has been a significant increase in its popularity, with thousands of babies being named Elise each year. This trend reflects the evolving tastes and preferences of parents when it comes to naming their children.