Elman is a name of Turkish origin, derived from the Turkish word "el" which means "hand". The name is believed to have been given to children born with unusually large hands or who were particularly skilled with their hands.
The name Elman has no specific meaning in English and is not commonly used as a first name in English-speaking countries. However, it may be found among Turkish communities living abroad.
Historically, the name Elman was popular among Turkish families in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was often given to boys born into families with artistic or musical talents, reflecting the belief that those with large hands were particularly gifted in creative pursuits.
Today, Elman is still a relatively uncommon name outside of Turkey, but it remains popular among Turkish-speaking communities around the world. Parents who choose this name for their children may do so because they are drawn to its unique sound or because they have personal connections to Turkish culture and traditions.
The name Elman has had a variable presence in the United States over the past century, with a peak in popularity during the early 20th century.
In 1915 and 1916, there were 8 and 10 births respectively for the name Elman. However, it experienced a significant increase in popularity in 1917, with 14 babies given this name that year. This was followed by a decrease in 1918, with only 6 births recorded.
The years 1919 to 1925 saw a fluctuation in the number of births for the name Elman, ranging from 11 to 15 births per year. However, there was another significant drop in popularity between 1927 and 1932, with only 6 births in 1927 and just 5 births each year from 1929 to 1932.
It seems that the name Elman continued to be used infrequently over the following decades until a minor resurgence in popularity occurred in recent years. In both 2006 and 2012, there were 7 births for the name Elman.
Overall, according to the available data, there have been a total of 176 babies named Elman born in the United States since 1915.