Elspeth

“God is my oath.”

Scotland origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#8614US 2023

12Births / yr

↓Falling

839All-time births

📅 Since 191400

How to pronounce Elspeth

ELZP·ETH

/ˈɛlzp.ˈɛθ/ · stress on ELZP · 2 syllables

“God is my oath.”

Scotland origin · Girl name

What does Elspeth mean and where does it come from?

Elspeth is of Scottish origin, derived from Elizabeth, which means 'God is my oath.' It has been used since the Middle Ages, particularly in Scotland. The name gained popularity in literature, notably through the work of Robert Louis Stevenson. Variations include Elspie and Elsie. Famous bearers inc

Cultural significance

Elspeth has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scotland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of scottish.

Peak popularity

Reached #2430 in 1984 — currently #8614 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Elspeth?

Elspeth works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Elspeth Grace

How popular is Elspeth right now?

Falling — down 1814 spots — currently #8614 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1920–2023#8614 · Top 6.4%

1925

1940

1950

1955

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#8614	12	▼ down 1814 · -29% births
2022	#6800	17	▼ down 23
2021	#6777	17	▼ down 1631 · -29% births
2020	#5146	24	▲ up 3332 · +85% births
2015	#8478	13	▼ down 564 · -13% births
2010	#7914	15	▼ down 1639 · -21% births
2005	#6275	19	▲ up 7009 · +217% births
2000	#13284	6	▼ down 4425 · -33% births
1995	#8859	9	▼ down 2347 · -31% births
1990	#6512	13	▼ down 3252 · -52% births
1985	#3260	27	▲ up 1633 · +286% births
1955	#4893	7	▲ up 44 · +17% births
1950	#4937	6	▼ down 278 · +20% births
1940	#4659	5	▼ down 410 · -29% births
1925	#4249	7	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Elspeth

Best Year1985Rank #3260

Peak Count27

Average Rank#6586

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1920 - 202316 years

The story of Elspeth

Elspeth entered American naming records in 1914 and has been in use for over 110 years. With 839 total births recorded, Elspeth remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4715 in 1920, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #8614 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Elspeth in 1984:

Jennifer Jessica Ashley Amanda Sarah

Elspeth by decade

Elspeth peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	16
1920s	25
1930s	18
1940s	27
1950s	33
1960s	26
1970s	36
1980s ★	240
1990s	105
2000s	125
2010s	164
2020s	24

💎Elspeth has only 839 total recorded births since 1914 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Elspeth?

CZECH

Eliška

DANISH

EliEliseEllaElseLillyLisLisaLisbetLiseLissi

DUTCH

BetjeEliseEllyElsElseElsjeIlseIsaLiesLieseLiesjeLisa

ENGLISH

BellaBelleBessBessieBethBetsyBetteBettieBettyBettyeBuffyElisaEliseElissaElizaEllaElleEllieEllyElsaElsieElyseIbbieIssyIzzyLeannaLeesaLianaLibbieLibbyLiddyLilianLilianaLilibetLilibethLilliaLillianLillianaLisaLiseLisetteLizLizaLizbethLizetteLizzieLizzyLysetteSabellaTetty

What names sound and feel like Elspeth?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Elspeth also consider these

Elsbeth

Germanic · pledged to God

Elspet

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

How is Elspeth written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Elspeth

What does the name Elspeth mean?

Elspeth means "Scottish" — a name rooted in Scotland 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 Elspeth?

Elspeth is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl 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 Elspeth?

Elspeth originates from Scotland tradition. Scotland 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 Elspeth?

Elspeth is a two-syllable name pronounced EH1 L Z P EH1 TH. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Elspeth a common or rare name?

Elspeth is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.