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Elvis

Pronunciation: [ EHLV-ihs ]

Boy Name #1,171 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

The one and only King of Rock and Roll

American Scandinavian
Bold Vintage Playful Strong

Meaning & Origin

"all wise (from Norse Alviss)"
Origin: Old Norse
Language: English
"uncertain, possibly Norse or Welsh origin"
Origin: Unknown
Language: English

Things to Know About This Name

  • Overwhelmingly associated with Elvis Presley, naming a child Elvis invites constant comparisons and the shadow of an icon

The Story of Elvis

Elvis is of uncertain origin, possibly derived from the Old Norse Alviss meaning all-wise, the name of a dwarf in Norse mythology who debated with Thor in the Eddic poem Alvissmal. It may also be a variant of the Welsh Elfis or an anglicized form of a Scandinavian name. The name was obscure before 1935, when Elvis Aaron Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, and transformed it into a global phenomenon.

Elvis Presley (1935-1977) transformed the name from obscurity into global recognition. He created rock and roll by fusing Black gospel and blues with country music, changing American culture forever. After his 1977 death, the name saw brief surges but remains primarily the domain of devoted fans and Scandinavian parents.

Elvis Presley is arguably the most culturally significant popular musician in American history. Known as The King, he sold over 500 million records worldwide. In Sweden and Norway, Elvis is common enough that it does not carry the same overwhelming celebrity association.

Fun Facts

  • Elvis Presley has sold over 500 million records worldwide, more than any solo artist in history
  • In Sweden, Elvis is a common enough name that hundreds of Swedes are named Elvis without the celebrity association
  • Elvis's middle name was Aaron, and he had a stillborn twin brother named Jesse Garon Presley

Elvis in Other Languages

German Elvis
Finnish Elvis
Spanish Elvis
Swedish Elvis
Japanese エルビス
Norwegian Elvis

Famous People Named Elvis

E

Elvis Andrus

Athlete

1988

Venezuelan MLB shortstop who played for the Texas Rangers and other teams, a Gold Glove winner

E

Elvis Costello

Musician

1954

British singer-songwriter known for his eclectic style spanning new wave, country, classical, and pop

E

Elvis Presley

Musician

1935

The King of Rock and Roll, who revolutionized popular music by fusing Black gospel, blues, and country into a new Americ...

The King of Rock and Roll, who revolutionized popular music by fusing Black gospel, blues, and country into a new American sound

Quick Facts

Gender
Boy
Syllables
2
Popularity Rank
#1,171
Total SSA Count
177
Cultural Origins
American Scandinavian
Pronunciation
Easy
Formality
Casual
Cross-Cultural Ease
Moderate

Alternative Spellings

Common Nicknames

El

Pairs Well With

Elvis Aaron Elvis James Elvis Ray Elvis Dean Elvis Lee Elvis Wayne

Sibling Names

Also a Girl Name

Elvis is also used as a girl name, ranked #38316.

View Elvis as a girl name →

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Frequently Asked Questions About Elvis

What does the name Elvis mean?
"all wise (from Norse Alviss)" (from Old Norse). "uncertain, possibly Norse or Welsh origin" (from Unknown). Elvis is of uncertain origin, possibly derived from the Old Norse Alviss meaning all-wise, the name of a dwarf in Norse mythology who debated with Thor in the Eddic poem Alvissmal. It may also be a variant of the Welsh Elfis or an anglicized form of a Scandinavian name. The name was obscure before 1935, when Elvis Aaron Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, and transformed it into a global phenomenon.
What is the origin of the name Elvis?
Elvis has Old Norse, Unknown, American, and Scandinavian origins. In Old Norse, it means "all wise (from Norse Alviss)". In Unknown, it means "uncertain, possibly Norse or Welsh origin".
Is Elvis a boy or girl name?
Elvis is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1171. As a girl name, it is ranked #38316. Elvis is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Elvis?
Elvis is pronounced EHLV-ihs.
How popular is the name Elvis?
Elvis is currently ranked #1171 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Elvis?
Common nicknames for Elvis include El.
What are good middle names for Elvis?
Popular middle name pairings include Elvis Aaron, Elvis James, Elvis Ray, Elvis Dean, Elvis Lee, and Elvis Wayne.
What are good sibling names for Elvis?
Names that pair well with Elvis as siblings include Johnny, Jerry, Waylon, Dolly, Patsy, and Loretta.
How many syllables does Elvis have?
Elvis has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Elvis a common or rare name?
Elvis is an uncommon name, ranked #1171 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Elvis

Elvis is a boy name with American and Scandinavian origins . The name means "all wise (from Norse Alviss)" in Old Norse .

Is Elvis a boy or girl name? Elvis is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,171 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #38,316. Elvis is more commonly used as a boy name.

Elvis is currently ranked #1,171 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Elvis has 2 syllables and is pronounced EHLV-ihs, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Elvis include El. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Alternative spellings of Elvis include Elvin . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.

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