What does Elise mean and where does it come from?
Elise is derived from the French name 'Élise,' a diminutive of Elisabeth. It conveys a sense of grace and promises. The name has been widely adopted in various countries, especially in French-speaking and English-speaking nations. It gained popularity during the Romantic period and is often associat
Cultural significance
Elise has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in French-speaking communities, where it reflects values of god's promise.
Peak popularity
Reached #151 in 2012 — currently #223 in the US.
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Related Reading
French-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Elise?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Elise?
Elise works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Elise Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Elise Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Elise Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Elise Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Elise Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Elise Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Elise right now?
Rising — up 28 spots — currently #223 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #223 | 1,367 | ▲ up 28 · +8% births |
| 2024 | #251 | 1,270 | ▲ up 23 · +11% births |
| 2023 | #274 | 1,145 | ▼ down 14 · -5% births |
| 2022 | #260 | 1,204 | ▼ down 18 · -4% births |
| 2021 | #242 | 1,252 | ▼ down 30 · -8% births |
| 2020 | #212 | 1,354 | ▼ down 38 · -27% births |
| 2015 | #174 | 1,844 | ▲ up 22 · +16% births |
| 2010 | #196 | 1,587 | ▲ up 32 · +6% births |
| 2005 | #228 | 1,494 | ▲ up 26 · +17% births |
| 2000 | #254 | 1,278 | ▲ up 81 · +62% births |
| 1995 | #335 | 788 | ▼ down 70 · -26% births |
| 1990 | #265 | 1,072 | ▲ up 5 · +15% births |
| 1985 | #270 | 933 | ▲ up 293 · +181% births |
| 1980 | #563 | 332 | ▲ up 98 · +44% births |
| 1975 | #661 | 230 | — |
The story of Elise
Elise has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 68,980 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #329 in 1880 to #274 in 2023. Elise is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Elise in 2012:
Elise by decade
Elise peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 293 | |
| 1890s | 465 | |
| 1900s | 595 | |
| 1910s | 1,625 | |
| 1920s | 1,823 | |
| 1930s | 1,228 | |
| 1940s | 1,369 | |
| 1950s | 3,512 | |
| 1960s | 3,688 | |
| 1970s | 2,719 | |
| 1980s | 7,778 | |
| 1990s | 9,711 | |
| 2000s | 14,576 | |
| 2010s ★ | 18,244 | |
| 2020s | 3,991 | |
What are good nicknames for Elise?
ENGLISH
LeannaLianaLibbieLibbyLilliaLisetteLysette
Famous people named Elise
E(
Elise (French impressionist artist)
Elise used this name in the rich tradition of French visual arts and culture.
E(
Elise (French monarch)
Elise bore this name in the French royal court, spreading its aristocratic prestige across Europe.
E(
Elise (French philosopher)
Elise carried this name in the Enlightenment tradition that shaped modern Western thought.
E(
Elise (French impressionist artist)
Elise used this name in the rich tradition of French visual arts and culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Elise?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Elise also consider these
How is Elise written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Elise
What does the name Elise mean?
Elise means "God's promise" — a name rooted in French tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Elise?
Elise is currently ranked #274 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Elise?
Elise originates from French tradition. French names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Elise?
Elise is a two-syllable name pronounced ul-EES. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Elise more of a girl or boy name?
Elise is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.