Elliott is a name of English origin that has gained popularity in recent years. It is derived from the Old Norse given name Hjalti, which means "noble" or "high". The name was brought to England by Viking settlers and over time evolved into the form we know today.
The name Elliott has been used as a given name since at least the 13th century in Scotland. It was traditionally associated with families of Scottish descent, such as the Elliotts of Minto and the Elliotts of Stobs, who were prominent landowning families in the Scottish Borders region.
In the United States, Elliott was first recorded as a given name in the late 19th century, but it did not become particularly popular until the mid-20th century. Today, Elliott is considered a classic yet modern choice for boys' names, ranking consistently in the top 500 most popular boy names in the U.S.
Some notable individuals with the name Elliott include:
* Elliott Smith (1963-2003), an American singer-songwriter known for his introspective and melancholic songs.
* Elliott Erwitt (b. 1928), a French-American photographer known for his candid black-and-white images of people and places around the world.
* Elliott Sadler (b. 1975), an American stock car racing driver who competes in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
While Elliott may have gained popularity due to its association with notable individuals, its meaning and history make it a strong choice for any parent looking for a name that is both distinctive and classic.
The name Elliott has a rich history and popularity in the United States, as evidenced by the statistics provided. From 1880 to 2023, there have been a total of 58,024 births registered with the first name Elliott.
Over the years, the number of babies named Elliott has varied significantly. In the late 19th century, the number of Elliotts born each year ranged from as low as 11 to as high as 46, with an average of around 25 births per year during this period. However, it is important to note that these numbers may not be entirely accurate due to factors such as inconsistent recording methods and potential underreporting.
During the early to mid-20th century, the popularity of the name Elliott began to increase steadily. By the 1940s, over 300 babies were being named Elliott each year, with peaks reaching as high as 566 births in 2004 and 1,014 births in 2010.
In recent years, the name Elliott has remained popular and consistent in its usage. Between 2015 and 2023, an average of around 2,200 babies were named Elliott each year, with a peak of 2,451 births recorded in 2019.
It is clear from these statistics that the name Elliott has undergone significant fluctuations in popularity over time. While it may not have been particularly popular during the late 19th century, its usage has consistently increased throughout much of the 20th and 21st centuries. Today, Elliotts are born at a steady rate, making it one of the more common names given to newborn boys in the United States.