Elmira
Possibly a feminine equivalent of Elmer, from Proto-Germanic *aþalaz (“noble”) + *mēraz (“famous”), as in Spanish Edelmira.
Every Elmira since 1880 — 4,360 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Elmira
Elmira is rare for girls in the United States, ranked #9,027 in 2025 with 11 babies given the name. It is currently rising compared with a decade ago.
Since 1880, 4,360 American babies have been named Elmira. Its peak came in 1921, when 122 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 1920s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Elmira stood among all girls' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Elmira year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Girls | Girls rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 11 | #9,027 |
| 2024 | 14 | #7,702 |
| 2023 | 10 | #9,810 |
| 2022 | 13 | #8,172 |
| 2021 | — | — |
| 2020 | 8 | #11,399 |
| 2019 | 7 | #12,847 |
| 2018 | 12 | #8,775 |
| 2017 | 12 | #8,947 |
| 2016 | 5 | #17,011 |
| 2015 | 14 | #8,133 |
| 2014 | 10 | #10,376 |
| 2013 | 5 | #17,343 |
| 2012 | 7 | #13,928 |
| 2011 | 8 | #12,511 |
| 2010 | 8 | #12,649 |
| 2009 | 6 | #15,831 |
| 2008 | — | — |
| 2007 | 8 | #13,047 |
| 2006 | — | — |
| 2005 | — | — |
| 2004 | — | — |
| 2003 | — | — |
| 2002 | 5 | #16,222 |
| 2001 | — | — |
| 2000 | — | — |
| 1995 | — | — |
| 1990 | 8 | #9,528 |
| 1985 | — | — |
| 1980 | — | — |
| 1975 | — | — |
| 1970 | 11 | #4,836 |
| 1965 | 11 | #4,018 |
| 1960 | 31 | #2,069 |
| 1955 | 28 | #2,034 |
| 1950 | 33 | #1,634 |
| 1945 | 36 | #1,338 |
| 1940 | 49 | #1,028 |
| 1935 | 54 | #949 |
| 1930 | 67 | #883 |
| 1925 | 87 | #791 |
| 1920 | 97 | #732 |
| 1915 | 102 | #656 |
| 1910 | 47 | #611 |
| 1905 | 40 | #548 |
| 1900 | 33 | #614 |
| 1895 | 40 | #460 |
| 1890 | 31 | #471 |
| 1885 | 15 | #560 |
| 1880 | 13 | #477 |
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Elmira mean?
Possibly a feminine equivalent of Elmer, from Proto-Germanic *aþalaz (“noble”) + *mēraz (“famous”), as in Spanish Edelmira.
How popular is the name Elmira in 2025?
Elmira ranked #9,027 among girls' names in the United States in 2025, with 11 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Elmira?
4,360 babies have been named Elmira in the United States since 1880, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Elmira most popular?
Elmira peaked in 1921, when 122 newborns received the name.
Is Elmira a boy or girl name?
Elmira is overwhelmingly a girl's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Elmira rising or falling?
Elmira is on the rise — noticeably more popular now than a decade ago.