Elsie

Pronunciation: [ EHLS-ee ]

Girl Name #155 Most Popular Rising 2 Syllables

Victorian sweetness — the vintage name making a stylish comeback

Scottish English American

Vintage Gentle Whimsical Classic Playful

Meaning & Origin

"God is my oath"

Origin: Hebrew (via Scottish)

Language: Scottish Gaelic

"my God is abundance"

Origin: Hebrew

Language: English

The Story of Elsie

Elsie is a Scottish pet form of Elspeth, which is the Scottish Gaelic form of Elizabeth. Elizabeth derives from the Hebrew Elisheba meaning God is my oath or my God is abundance — the name of Aaron's wife in the Book of Exodus. Used as a given name in Scotland since at least the 18th century, Elsie spread through Victorian England and then to America with Scottish and English immigrants. It peaked in the early 20th century before declining, and is now experiencing a charming and well-deserved revival.

Elsie peaked in both the UK and US in the early 1900s, then fell sharply through the mid-century as it was associated with older generations. In the 2010s-2020s, it surged back — particularly in the UK where it entered the top 20 baby names around 2020. In the US it is rising steadily as parents embrace sweet, short vintage names with genuine history.

In 20th-century American culture, Elsie the Borden Cow — introduced in 1936 — became one of history's most famous brand mascots, making the name instantly recognizable across generations. In Britain, Elsie carries the warmth of a grandmother's name that has become fresh and fashionable again, part of the great vintage name revival.

Fun Facts

Elsie the Borden Cow, introduced in 1939 as a brand mascot, became one of America's most beloved and recognized advertising characters
Elsie Inglis (1864-1917) was a pioneering Scottish surgeon who founded field hospitals on the Eastern Front in WWI despite being initially refused by the War Office
In the UK, Elsie entered the top 20 baby names around 2020, making it one of the fastest-rising vintage names of the decade

Elsie in Other Languages

Dutch Elsje

French Elsie

German Else

Spanish Elsa

Scottish Gaelic Ealasaid

Famous People Named Elsie

Elsie Fisher

Actor

2003

American actress nominated for a Golden Globe for her raw, authentic lead performance in the coming-of-age film Eighth G...

American actress nominated for a Golden Globe for her raw, authentic lead performance in the coming-of-age film Eighth Grade (2018)

Elsie Inglis

Humanitarian

1864

Pioneering Scottish surgeon and suffragist who founded field hospitals on the Eastern Front in WWI; the War Office initi...

Pioneering Scottish surgeon and suffragist who founded field hospitals on the Eastern Front in WWI; the War Office initially refused her help, saying 'My good lady, go home and sit still'

Elsie the Borden Cow Fictional

Other

America's most famous brand mascot, introduced by Borden Dairy in 1936 — a friendly, flower-crowned cow who became a sym...

America's most famous brand mascot, introduced by Borden Dairy in 1936 — a friendly, flower-crowned cow who became a symbol of wholesome American dairy for generations

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #155
Total SSA Count: 1,901
Cultural Origins: Scottish English American
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Casual
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Common Nicknames

Els Ellie

Pairs Well With

Elsie Mae Elsie Rose Elsie Jane Elsie Kate Elsie Grace Elsie Pearl Elsie Lou

Sibling Names

Archie Bertie Hazel Poppy Ned Ivy Jasper

Also a Boy Name

Elsie is also used as a boy name, ranked #26507.

View Elsie as a boy name →

Similar Names

Minnie Ella Nellie Mattie Lillie Mollie Ollie Mildred

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions About Elsie

What does the name Elsie mean?

"God is my oath" (from Hebrew (via Scottish)). "my God is abundance" (from Hebrew). Elsie is a Scottish pet form of Elspeth, which is the Scottish Gaelic form of Elizabeth. Elizabeth derives from the Hebrew Elisheba meaning God is my oath or my God is abundance — the name of Aaron's wife in the Book of Exodus. Used as a given name in Scotland since at least the 18th century, Elsie spread through Victorian England and then to America with Scottish and English immigrants. It peaked in the early 20th century before declining, and is now experiencing a charming and well-deserved revival.

What is the origin of the name Elsie?

Elsie has Hebrew (via Scottish), Hebrew, Scottish, English, and American origins. In Hebrew (via Scottish), it means "God is my oath". In Hebrew, it means "my God is abundance".

Is Elsie a boy or girl name?

Elsie is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #155. As a boy name, it is ranked #26507. Elsie is more commonly used as a girl name.

How do you pronounce Elsie?

Elsie is pronounced EHLS-ee.

How popular is the name Elsie?

Elsie is currently ranked #155 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Elsie?

Common nicknames for Elsie include Els and Ellie.

What are good middle names for Elsie?

Popular middle name pairings include Elsie Mae, Elsie Rose, Elsie Jane, Elsie Kate, Elsie Grace, Elsie Pearl, and Elsie Lou.

What are good sibling names for Elsie?

Names that pair well with Elsie as siblings include Archie, Bertie, Hazel, Poppy, Ned, Ivy, and Jasper.

How many syllables does Elsie have?

Elsie has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Elsie a common or rare name?

Elsie is a popular name, ranked #155 for girls. It is well-known without being overused.

About the Name Elsie

Elsie is a girl name with Scottish, English, and American origins . The name means "God is my oath" in Hebrew (via Scottish) .

Is Elsie a boy or girl name? Elsie is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #155 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #26,507. Elsie is more commonly used as a girl name.

Elsie is currently ranked #155 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Elsie has 2 syllables and is pronounced EHLS-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Elsie include Els and Ellie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.