Elwin
Elwin is a boy's name of English origin.
Meaning
Noble friend, elf friend, or old friend.
Origin and history
Elwin is a classic masculine name of Old English origin, typically derived from elements meaning 'noble friend' or 'elf friend'. It was moderately used in the early-to-mid 20th century in the United States and remains a gentle, rare vintage option today. Modern parents often choose it as an alternative to similar vintage names like Edwin or Alvin.
Popularity in the United States
5,176 babies in the United States have been named Elwin since 1880. It ranks #1697 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1839.
States where it is most popular
- NY (17.9 %)
- MI (17.1 %)
- NE (7 %)
- IL (6.7 %)
- ME (6.3 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 41 |
| 1890-1900 | 65 |
| 1900-1910 | 107 |
| 1910-1920 | 830 |
| 1920-1930 | 1,316 |
| 1930-1940 | 820 |
| 1940-1950 | 603 |
| 1950-1960 | 483 |
| 1960-1970 | 224 |
| 1970-1980 | 127 |
| 1980-1990 | 113 |
| 1990-2000 | 128 |
| 2000-2010 | 123 |
| 2010-2019 | 108 |
| 2020-2029 | 88 |
Famous people named Elwin
- Elwin Bruno Tinklenberg: Politician
Nicknames
El, Win, Winny
Fun facts
- Elwin coalesced from several Old English names, including Æthelwine ('noble friend'), Ælfwine ('elf friend'), and Ealdwine ('old friend').
- Elwin Ransom is the primary protagonist of C.S. Lewis's celebrated Space Trilogy.