Elster

“A name referring to a magpie.” — Symbol of adaptability and cleverness in various cultures

Germanic origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#742US 2023

1.5kBirths / yr

→Stable

139All-time births

📅 Since 191600

How to pronounce Elster

ELST·er

/ˈɛlst.ɝ/ · stress on ELST · 2 syllables

“A name referring to a magpie.”

Symbol of adaptability and cleverness in various cultures · Germanic origin

What does Elster mean and where does it come from?

Elster is a name that comes from the German word for 'magpie.' The magpie bird is often viewed as a symbol of adaptability and cleverness in various cultures. The name may be less common today but can be used as a family name as well. It sometimes appears in folk tales and folklore, emphasizing its

Cultural significance

Elster has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a name referring to a magpie..

Peak popularity

Reached #2581 in 1939 — currently #742 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Elster?

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

Elster Grace

How popular is Elster right now?

Holding steady — currently #742 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1920–2023#742 · Top 0.55%

1920

1925

1930

1935

1940

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#742	1,458	▲ up 5 · +1% births
2022	#747	1,438	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021	#752	1,408	▲ up 2305 · +20014% births
1940	#3057	7	▲ up 915 · +40% births
1935	#3972	5	▼ down 465 · -29% births
1930	#3507	7	▼ down 378 · -22% births
1925	#3129	9	▲ up 1554 · +80% births
1920	#4683	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Elster

Best Year2023Rank #742

Peak Count1,458

Average Rank#2574

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1920 - 20238 years

The story of Elster

Elster entered American naming records in 1916 and has been in use for over 108 years. With 139 total births recorded, Elster remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4683 in 1920 to #742 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Elster in 1939:

Robert James John William Richard

Elster by decade

Elster peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	19
1920s ★	61
1930s	40
1940s	19

💎Elster has only 139 total recorded births since 1916 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Elster?

Common

Els

Famous people named Elster

Elster (German philosopher)

Elster used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.

Elster (Norse explorer)

Elster carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.

Elster (German philosopher)

Elster used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.

Elster (Scandinavian royal)

Elster held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Elster?

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

Elsmer

American · Noble and famous

Elester

American · English

Elber

Germanic · noble bear

Eluster

English · English

Jester

United Kingdom · A professional joker

Kester

United Kingdom · King of the

Lester

USA · Fortified Place

Easter

English · the season of

Common questions about the name Elster

What does the name Elster mean?

Elster means "A name referring to a magpie." — a name rooted in Germanic 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 Elster?

Elster is currently ranked #742 as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Elster?

Elster originates from Germanic tradition. Germanic 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 Elster?

Elster is a two-syllable name pronounced EH1 L S T ER0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What are good nicknames for Elster?

Elster naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.