The name Elyse is a classic choice for baby girls, possessing an elegance and simplicity that transcends generations. But how popular is the name Elyse, and what makes it so appealing? Let’s delve into the details of this beautiful moniker.
Elyse Name Popularity
The popularity of Elyse has seen ebbs and flows throughout the years. To understand its trajectory, let’s examine the data:
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910-1926 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1927 | 1,529 | 6 | 0.0005% |
| 1928-1941 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1942 | 1,496 | 6 | 0.0005% |
| 1943 | 1,045 | 24 | 0.0018% |
| 1944 | 805 | 47 | 0.0038% |
| 1945 | 911 | 34 | 0.0028% |
| 1946 | 946 | 37 | 0.0025% |
| 1947 | 789 | 74 | 0.0044% |
| 1948 | 896 | 51 | 0.0032% |
| 1949 | 833 | 67 | 0.0042% |
| 1950 | 748 | 88 | 0.0055% |
| 1951 | 901 | 59 | 0.0035% |
| 1952 | 732 | 103 | 0.0059% |
| 1953 | 766 | 97 | 0.0055% |
| 1954 | 715 | 121 | 0.0066% |
| 1955 | 684 | 141 | 0.0077% |
| 1956 | 843 | 92 | 0.0049% |
| 1957 | 943 | 73 | 0.0038% |
| 1958 | 961 | 70 | 0.0037% |
| 1959 | 1,030 | 59 | 0.0031% |
| 1960 | 1,010 | 67 | 0.0035% |
| 1961 | 1,073 | 59 | 0.0031% |
| 1962 | 1,280 | 33 | 0.0018% |
| 1963 | 985 | 68 | 0.0038% |
| 1964 | 915 | 81 | 0.0046% |
| 1965 | 1,067 | 52 | 0.0032% |
| 1966 | 957 | 65 | 0.0042% |
| 1967 | 1,128 | 43 | 0.0028% |
| 1968 | 945 | 71 | 0.0047% |
| 1969 | 1,082 | 56 | 0.0036% |
| 1970 | 1,268 | 43 | 0.0027% |
| 1971 | 1,109 | 57 | 0.0038% |
| 1972 | 1,170 | 46 | 0.0034% |
| 1973 | 1,201 | 44 | 0.0034% |
| 1974 | 1,163 | 51 | 0.0039% |
| 1975 | 1,601 | 24 | 0.0019% |
| 1976 | 1,233 | 46 | 0.0036% |
| 1977 | 1,419 | 36 | 0.0027% |
| 1978 | 1,448 | 35 | 0.0026% |
| 1979 | 1,275 | 51 | 0.0036% |
| 1980 | 1,250 | 56 | 0.0038% |
| 1981 | 1,537 | 34 | 0.0023% |
| 1982 | 1,308 | 50 | 0.0033% |
| 1983 | 714 | 185 | 0.0125% |
| 1984 | 480 | 384 | 0.0258% |
| 1985 | 373 | 581 | 0.0383% |
| 1986 | 341 | 666 | 0.0441% |
| 1987 | 308 | 760 | 0.0498% |
| 1988 | 316 | 750 | 0.0481% |
| 1989 | 404 | 573 | 0.0355% |
| 1990 | 519 | 410 | 0.0247% |
| 1991 | 577 | 360 | 0.0221% |
| 1992 | 680 | 277 | 0.0174% |
| 1993 | 803 | 200 | 0.0128% |
| 1994 | 748 | 229 | 0.0149% |
| 1995 | 792 | 203 | 0.0135% |
| 1996 | 954 | 152 | 0.0102% |
| 1997 | 821 | 201 | 0.0136% |
| 1998 | 765 | 232 | 0.0155% |
| 1999 | 783 | 231 | 0.0154% |
| 2000 | 805 | 232 | 0.0152% |
| 2001 | 813 | 236 | 0.0157% |
| 2002 | 774 | 257 | 0.0171% |
| 2003 | 721 | 308 | 0.0202% |
| 2004 | 715 | 324 | 0.0213% |
| 2005 | 698 | 346 | 0.0226% |
| 2006 | 702 | 356 | 0.0227% |
| 2007 | 727 | 350 | 0.0222% |
| 2008 | 685 | 388 | 0.0251% |
| 2009 | 642 | 412 | 0.0276% |
| 2010 | 627 | 421 | 0.0292% |
| 2011 | 604 | 428 | 0.03% |
| 2012 | 526 | 523 | 0.0367% |
| 2013 | 556 | 471 | 0.0331% |
| 2014 | 597 | 431 | 0.0296% |
| 2015 | 630 | 393 | 0.027% |
| 2016 | 662 | 371 | 0.0257% |
| 2017 | 638 | 391 | 0.028% |
| 2018 | 633 | 393 | 0.0286% |
| 2019 | 689 | 339 | 0.025% |
| 2020 | 728 | 328 | 0.0258% |
| 2021 | 875 | 241 | 0.0197% |
| 2022 | 823 | 293 | 0.0222% |
| 2023 | 814 | 296 | 0.0229% |
As the table illustrates, Elyse experienced a period of very low usage in the early 20th century before gradually gaining traction. It peaked in popularity in the mid-1980s and has remained a consistently chosen name since then, maintaining a stable presence. While it might not be the most popular name, it avoids being overly common, offering a sweet spot for parents seeking a familiar yet somewhat unique choice.
Meaning and Origin of Elyse
While the data gives insight to its prevalence, understanding the name’s meaning gives it an additional layer of depth. Elyse is often considered a French form of the name "Alice," which has Germanic origins. The root meaning is "noble," or "of noble kin." Some also trace it back to the Hebrew name "Elisha," meaning "God is salvation" or "God is my oath." This multifaceted origin adds to the name’s appeal, blending elegance with spiritual depth.
Elyse: A State-by-State Look
The District of Columbia has seen a handful of Elyse births over the past decades, with recent years having a small number, highlighting it’s a choice that is not particularly popular in the region, but consistently present.
Names Like Elyse
If you’re drawn to Elyse but want to explore similar options, consider these alternatives:
- Alyse: A variation with a similar sound. Meaning "Noble, exalted; rational" of Greek origin
- Elise: A classic and sophisticated alternative. Meaning "God is my oath" of French origin.
- Ellyse: Meaning "God’s promise; God is my oath" of Hebrew origin.
- Else: Meaning "God’s promise; God is my oath" of Hebrew origin.
- Elyce: Meaning "God’s promise; God is Lord" of Hebrew origin.
- Elysa: Meaning "From the blessed isles" of Greek origin.
- Elysse: Meaning "From the blessed isles" of Greek origin.
- Ilyse: Of Latin origin.
Similar Names
These names offer a slightly different take on the Elyse sound and feel:
- Alise: Noble, exalted; great happiness (Hebrew)
- Allyse: Noble, exalted; rational (Greek)
- Alyce: Noble, exalted (German)
- Alys: Noble, exalted (German)
- Alysa: Noble, exalted; rational (Greek)
- Blyss/Blysse: Joy, cheer, intense happiness (English)
- Elaine/Elane/Elene: Sun ray, shining light (Greek)
- Eloise: Healthy one (English)
- Elsie: God is my oath (English)
- Elvie: White, noble, bright (Irish)
- Ilse: God is my oath (German)
Sibling Name Suggestions
If you’ve chosen Elyse, here are some sibling name suggestions that complement it well:
- Lauren: Laurel (English).
- Sarah: Princess (Hebrew).
Conclusion
Elyse is more than just a name; it’s a blend of classic charm, historical significance, and spiritual depth. Its consistent, yet not overwhelming, popularity makes it a wonderful choice for parents seeking a name that is both beautiful and timeless.