El. Thompson

Well balanced between sleek, sweet, strong, and vintage, newly chic Eloise re-entered the US Top 1000 in 2009, following a 50-year absence. In 2022, it broke into the Top 100 in the US and across the pond in the UK. Given to nearly 3000 babies each year, Eloise is showing no sign of stepping out of the spotlight.

The lyrical and melodious Elodie, a Nameberry favorite, is starting to rise through the US popularity charts for the first time since the 1880s. This once uncommon member of the El- family is a Top 100 name in the UK, Canada, and New Zealand, while in the US, it was one of the fasted rising names of 2024 and now sits in the Top 400.

Elsie is a sweet vintage nickname-name turned modern star. After a 30-year hiatus, Elsie started climbing the US popularity list 20 years ago and is still headed for the top.

A beautiful modern Cornish nature name that is rapidly picking up steam in the States: even spawning variant spellings like Elowyn and Elowynn. In its native region, it wasn't widely used as a name before the twentieth century, when the Cornish language was revived. A fresh and magical member of the fashionable El- family of names, it has a pleasant, evocative sound.

Eliza is a name with a wonderful combination of streamlined zest and Eliza Doolittle charm and spunk. It's a classic that's popular right now -- but not too popular.

In Greek mythology, Elara was a lover of Zeus who gave birth to a giant son (ouch); it's also the name of one of the moons of Jupiter, giving it a celestial feel. Possibly derived from the Greek alara meaning "hazelnut" or "spear", it combines that favorite El- beginning with the popular -ara ending of Clara, Lara, and Amara, making it an all round appealing choice. Currently in the UK Top 1000, and on the rise in the US, it could be a fresher or less popular alternative to Ella, Lyra, or Laura.

While the etymology of the name is unclear, it's most likely a contraction of Eliora or Elnora. Despite the uncertain heritage, it's a winning construction, based on its El- prefix, the feminine three-syllable flow, and the a ending. It debuted in the US Top 1000 in 2015, and by 2023, Elora was one of the fastest rising girl names.

Eleanor is back, Nora is back, and, as predicted, Eleanora is back too.

Elina is one of the many variations of mother name Helen to make the US Top 1000 list, and is given to around 300 girls each year. While it might blend in among the Helenas, Elenas, and Alinas, it might be a good way to go if you want the eh-lee-nuh pronunciation or the potential for nicknames Elle, Ellie, or Ella.

Eloisa captures a lovely name back from the spoiled little girl at the Plaza. Historical romance writer Eloisa James has helped make this antique name sound fresh and sassy again.

While this might be used as an alternative spelling to Elisa, Alyssa, Alicia, and similar, this form stands out from the pack as Elysia relates to Elysian Fields, the home of the blessed dead in Greek and Roman mythology. Far less popular than other similar choices, it did rank in the UK Top 1000 until the 2020s, albeit near the latter end of the list.

The Elissa version of a long-popular name is fading in favor of Alyssa, Eliza and other variants. The legion of other forms and spellings includes Alissa, Allissa, Allyssa, Alyssa, Elissah, Ellisa, Ellissa, Ellyssa, Elys, Elyssa, Elyssia, Ilissa, Ilysa, Ilyssa, Lissa, Lissie, Lissy Lyssa.

Elidia is a feminine name with Spanish and Greek roots. It's a variation of names like Elida or Elydia, potentially derived from the Greek 'Elidaia,' referring to ancient Elis in Greece. The name may also be connected to the Greek word 'helios' meaning 'sun.' Elidia has remained relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it a distinctive quality. In Hispanic communities, it's appreciated for its melodic sound and elegant feminine ending. The name carries a sense of brightness and warmth, reflecting its possible solar connections. While not widely used, Elidia has maintained a consistent presence, particularly in Spanish-speaking regions and communities.

Elizabella is a much more obscure smoosh than sisters Isabella and Annabelle, but the megapopularity of Isabella may give this unusual combo name a boost.

Elouisa is an elegant feminine name that represents an elaborate variant of Louisa or Eloise. Combining elements of both names, it has French and Germanic origins. The name derives from 'famous warrior' or 'renowned fighter,' from the Germanic elements 'fame' and 'battle.' Elouisa offers a more ornate alternative to its root names while maintaining their classic charm and sophisticated sound. Though relatively uncommon, Elouisa appeals to parents seeking a name with historical depth but distinctive character. The name carries a romantic, somewhat aristocratic quality reminiscent of 19th-century literature. With nickname possibilities including Ellie, Lou, or Lulu, Elouisa provides versatility while maintaining its refined full form. Its rarity ensures individuality while its roots provide historical grounding.

Elenora is a feminine name with elegant classical roots, representing a variant of Eleanor. The name ultimately derives from the Provençal name Aliénor, possibly meaning 'other' or 'foreign.' This particular spelling creates a softer, more vowel-rich version of the traditional Eleanor. Throughout history, the name has been associated with nobility and refinement, borne by numerous queens and aristocratic women. Elenora offers a slightly more romantic and melodic quality than Eleanor, with its additional vowel creating a flowing rhythm. While less common than Eleanor or Eleonora, this variation maintains the name's dignified heritage while providing a touch of distinctiveness. The name carries timeless appeal, making it suitable for a child and equally appropriate for an adult. Parents might choose Elenora for its classic elegance combined with a subtle uniqueness that sets it apart from more common traditional names.

Ellura is a feminine name with possible origins in creative modern naming practices, though it may have older roots in various cultures. The name has a melodic quality reminiscent of names like Ella, Elora, or Allura. The double 'l' creates a flowing sound when pronounced, giving it an elegant, romantic feel. Ellura is extremely rare, with very few recorded instances in official records across English-speaking countries. It may have emerged as a variation of the Latin name Elora (meaning 'from the east') or could be a creative combination drawing inspiration from elements of other established names. The name carries a somewhat mystical, ethereal quality that might appeal to parents seeking something uniquely feminine with a soft, melodious sound.

Eleena is a feminine name with various origins, representing a melodic variation of Helena or Elena. These names ultimately derive from Greek 'helene,' meaning 'torch' or 'bright one.' With its additional vowel, Eleena creates a flowing, ethereal quality while maintaining the elegant essence of its root names. This spelling variation emerged in the late 20th century alongside other creative renderings of classical names. While less common than Elena or Alina, Eleena appeals to parents seeking familiar sounds with unique spelling. The name resonates across multiple cultures, from Eastern European to Mediterranean, giving it an international appeal. Its soft sounds and rhythmic pronunciation create a name that feels both delicate and substantial, modern yet connected to traditional naming patterns.

Elyssa is a feminine name with ancient roots, representing a variation of Elissa, the legendary founder and queen of Carthage (also known as Dido in Virgil's Aeneid). The name has Phoenician origins and may be related to the Hebrew name Elizabeth, potentially sharing the meaning 'God is my oath' or 'God's promise'. Elyssa offers a more distinctive spelling of the classic Elissa while maintaining its mythological connections and elegant sound. The name gained modest popularity in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s as parents sought alternatives to common names like Alyssa or Melissa. With its ancient heritage and melodic quality, Elyssa provides a balance between familiarity and uniqueness, giving it timeless appeal.