Elsa
From German Elsa, contraction of Elisabeth, occasionally used in English after its appearance in Wagner's opera Lohengrin (1847).
Every Elsa since 1880 — 30,731 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Elsa
Elsa is uncommon for girls in the United States, ranked #1,104 in 2025 with 216 babies given the name. It is currently declining compared with a decade ago.
Since 1880, 30,731 American babies have been named Elsa. Its peak came in 2014, when 1,140 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 2010s.
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 Elsa stood among all girls' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Elsa year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Girls | Girls rank | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 216 | #1,104 | — | — |
| 2024 | 281 | #938 | — | — |
| 2023 | 247 | #1,024 | — | — |
| 2022 | 264 | #994 | — | — |
| 2021 | 276 | #951 | — | — |
| 2020 | 284 | #917 | — | — |
| 2019 | 350 | #791 | — | — |
| 2018 | 305 | #888 | — | — |
| 2017 | 425 | #686 | — | — |
| 2016 | 477 | #627 | — | — |
| 2015 | 658 | #486 | — | — |
| 2014 | 1,140 | #286 | — | — |
| 2013 | 566 | #528 | — | — |
| 2012 | 542 | #549 | — | — |
| 2011 | 499 | #580 | — | — |
| 2010 | 487 | #603 | — | — |
| 2009 | 426 | #684 | — | — |
| 2008 | 413 | #720 | — | — |
| 2007 | 393 | #742 | — | — |
| 2006 | 350 | #785 | — | — |
| 2005 | 350 | #761 | — | — |
| 2004 | 308 | #813 | — | — |
| 2003 | 349 | #733 | — | — |
| 2002 | 283 | #824 | — | — |
| 2001 | 247 | #916 | — | — |
| 2000 | 240 | #911 | — | — |
| 1995 | 222 | #867 | — | — |
| 1990 | 242 | #815 | — | — |
| 1985 | 193 | #842 | — | — |
| 1980 | 244 | #699 | — | — |
| 1975 | 255 | #618 | — | — |
| 1970 | 298 | #588 | — | — |
| 1965 | 274 | #576 | — | — |
| 1960 | 279 | #594 | — | — |
| 1955 | 289 | #542 | — | — |
| 1950 | 154 | #695 | — | — |
| 1945 | 126 | #655 | — | — |
| 1940 | 122 | #640 | — | — |
| 1935 | 113 | #612 | — | — |
| 1930 | 137 | #586 | — | — |
| 1925 | 141 | #616 | — | — |
| 1920 | 184 | #516 | — | — |
| 1915 | 237 | #392 | — | — |
| 1910 | 80 | #446 | — | — |
| 1905 | 75 | #389 | — | — |
| 1900 | 102 | #335 | — | — |
| 1895 | 160 | #215 | — | — |
| 1890 | 106 | #238 | — | — |
| 1885 | 66 | #249 | — | — |
| 1880 | 20 | #369 | — | — |
Famous people named Elsa
- Elsa Einstein Politician · 1876–1936
- Elsa Morante Writer · 1912–1985
- Elsa Schiaparelli Fashion designer · 1890–1973
- Elsa Martinelli Actor · 1935–2017
- Elsa Triolet Writer · 1896–1970
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Elsa mean?
From German Elsa, contraction of Elisabeth, occasionally used in English after its appearance in Wagner's opera Lohengrin (1847).
How popular is the name Elsa in 2025?
Elsa ranked #1,104 among girls' names in the United States in 2025, with 216 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Elsa?
30,731 babies have been named Elsa in the United States since 1880, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Elsa most popular?
Elsa peaked in 2014, when 1,140 newborns received the name.
Is Elsa a boy or girl name?
Elsa is overwhelmingly a girl's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Elsa rising or falling?
Elsa is declining — less popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Elsa?
Well-known people named Elsa include Elsa Einstein (politician), Elsa Morante (writer), Elsa Schiaparelli (fashion designer).