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Origin and meaning of the name Elsie

What is the origin of the name Elsie?

The name Elsie is of Scottish and English origin, and it is a diminutive form of the name Elizabeth. Elizabeth comes from the Hebrew name Elisheva, meaning "God is my oath" or "God is abundance." Elsie has been used as an independent name in its own right in English-speaking countries since the 19th century.

Learn more about the origin of the name Elsie

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Elsie

The name Elsie is of Scottish origin and is derived from the longer name Elizabeth, which comes from the Hebrew name Elisheba, meaning "God is my oath" or "consecrated to God." Elsie has become a diminutive form or a familiar nickname for Elisabeth or Elizabeth. While Elsie gained popularity as a baby name in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it has since declined in usage. The name had its peak in the United States in the early 1900s, but it remains cherished for its vintage charm and simplicity. Elsie carries a sense of warmth and friendliness and evokes images of a gentle and kind-hearted person. With its classic appeal, Elsie continues to be chosen by modern parents who appreciate traditional and timeless names with a touch of nostalgia.

Character traits associated with the name Elsie

Elsie is typically described as kind, nurturing, and compassionate. She is known for her gentle and caring nature, always putting others' needs before her own. Elsie is a natural caregiver, always willing to lend a helping hand and offer support to those around her. She is patient and understanding, making her a great listener and someone others feel comfortable opening up to. Elsie is also known for her creativity and artistic talents, with a knack for finding beauty in everyday moments. With a warm and welcoming demeanor, Elsie easily makes friends and is a joy to be around. Overall, Elsie is a lovely and genuine person, embodying qualities of empathy, creativity, and generosity.

Popularity of the name Elsie

Elsie is a charming and timeless name that has experienced varying levels of popularity throughout the years. In the early 20th century, Elsie was a beloved and widespread name, ranking among the top 100 names for girls in the United States. However, as the decades passed, Elsie saw a decline in popularity, dropping off the radar for some time. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in vintage and old-fashioned names, leading to a revival of Elsie's popularity. Today, Elsie is once again gaining favor among parents looking for a sweet and classic name for their daughters. With its nostalgic appeal and adorable sound, Elsie has the potential to become even more popular in the coming years, as more and more parents rediscover this lovely and feminine name.

Famous people with the name Elsie

One famous person with the first name Elsie is Elsie Fisher, an American actress known for her role as the voice of Agnes in the Despicable Me films. She also gained critical acclaim for her leading role in the coming-of-age film Eighth Grade, which earned her numerous award nominations. Another notable figure with the name Elsie is Elsie de Wolfe, an American actress and interior decorator considered to be one of the first professional interior designers. De Wolfe is often credited with revolutionizing the field of interior design and was known for her eclectic taste and innovative design concepts. Both Elsie Fisher and Elsie de Wolfe have left a lasting impact on their respective fields and continue to be celebrated for their contributions to the arts.

Variations of the name Elsie

There are few variations of the first name Elsie. One variant is the name Elise, which is derived from the Hebrew name Elizabeth and means "pledged to God." Elise adds a touch of elegance to the name Elsie while maintaining a similar sound. Another variation is the name Elsa, which has gained popularity in recent years. Elsa is known for its association with the beloved Disney character from the movie "Frozen." It carries a sense of charm and grace. Elspeth is another variation of Elsie, originating from Scotland. Its unique sound and Scottish heritage give it a distinctive flair. Additionally, variants like Elsy, Elsie-May, and Elsie-Rose provide alternative options while maintaining the endearing qualities of Elsie. Each variation adds its own touch to the name, allowing parents to choose the one that resonates with them and their child the most.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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