Elder
Elder is a boy's name of English origin.
Meaning
Older, senior, or dweller by the elder tree.
Origin and history
Elder is an English name originally derived from a surname denoting an older person, a senior leader, or someone living near elderberry trees. While historically uncommon, it has seen a modest rise in contemporary U.S. usage as a nature-inspired and vintage occupational-style choice. It carries connotations of wisdom, leadership, and botanical nature.
Popularity in the United States
2,268 babies in the United States have been named Elder since 1880. It ranks #2716 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1658.
States where it is most popular
- CA (55.8 %)
- TX (19.5 %)
- GA (9.6 %)
- FL (5.9 %)
- MD (3.4 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 45 |
| 1890-1900 | 48 |
| 1900-1910 | 49 |
| 1910-1920 | 191 |
| 1920-1930 | 213 |
| 1930-1940 | 123 |
| 1940-1950 | 94 |
| 1950-1960 | 59 |
| 1960-1970 | 30 |
| 1970-1980 | 49 |
| 1980-1990 | 70 |
| 1990-2000 | 233 |
| 2000-2010 | 422 |
| 2010-2019 | 373 |
| 2020-2029 | 269 |
Famous people named Elder
- Elder Vogel: Politician
Fun facts
- The name stems both from the Old English word for a senior or leader and from the elder tree, known for its berries and folklore.
- Although long used sporadically in the United States, Elder has seen an uptick in modern births alongside the popularity of nature names.