Eliza is a charming and elegant name of Hebrew origin, meaning "God is my oath" or "God is my promise". It is derived from the Hebrew name Elizabeth, which has been a popular choice among parents for centuries.
The name Eliza first gained prominence in the English-speaking world during the Victorian era, when it was often used as a diminutive form of Elizabeth. However, its use can be traced back even further to the 17th century, where it was employed by Shakespeare in his play "Cymbeline".
Throughout history, there have been many notable figures who have borne the name Eliza. For instance, Eliza Doolittle, the protagonist of George Bernard Shaw's play "Pygmalion", is one of the most famous fictional characters with this name. Additionally, Eliza Hamilton, the wife of Alexander Hamilton, played a significant role in American history.
In terms of its popularity, Eliza has seen varied trends over time. While it was quite common during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, its usage decreased in the mid-20th century before experiencing a resurgence in recent years. Today, Eliza remains a beloved choice among parents seeking a classic yet distinctive name for their daughters.
Overall, the name Eliza is steeped in history and culture, offering parents a timeless option with a beautiful meaning and a rich heritage. Its elegant sound and memorable associations make it an appealing choice for those looking to bestow a meaningful name upon their child.
Here are some interesting statistics about the name Eliza:
The name Eliza has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years in the United States. In 2023 alone, there were 7 births with the name Eliza, marking an increase from the previous year's total of 6.
However, this current popularity is a far cry from its peak in the early 20th century. Between 1912 and 1918, Eliza was quite popular, with at least 6 births per year. The highest number of Eliza births during this period occurred in 1915 and 1917, with 9 births each year.
Despite its popularity around the turn of the century, Eliza's use as a baby name has been somewhat inconsistent over time. For instance, there were only 5 Eliza births recorded in both 1929 and 1942. However, it seems that Eliza may be experiencing a renaissance, with at least 5 births each year between 1980 and 2023.
In total, over the course of more than a century (from 1880 to 2023), there have been 197 recorded births in the United States named Eliza. This is quite an achievement for such a classic name!