Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Elsa

Elsa is the short form of Elisabeth (which is the French, German and Dutch form of the more common English spelling of Elizabeth). The name Elizabeth in its various linguistic forms has been around since the Middle Ages, mainly popularized by the French (using the spelling Élisabeth). Elizabeth with a “z” is the typical spelling in English; most other European languages use the “s.” Elizabeth is found in the Bible (Luke 1:5-80) as the wife of Zachariah and the mother of John the Baptist. The name is essentially Greek (Elisabet) from the Hebrew (Elisheva) meaning “God is my oath.” In the Biblical story, we learn that God looks favorably upon Zachariah and Elizabeth as “they were both righteous before God…but they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years.” (Luke 1:6). The angel Gabriel is sent to Zachariah with a message that Elizabeth will soon conceive a son and “you shall call his name John.” Gabriel also says that John’s birth will be cause for much rejoicing and that the baby will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from Elizabeth’s womb. Zachariah expressed disbelief since his wife was well past childbearing years. As punishment for his doubt, God struck Zachariah mute. Sure enough, Elizabeth became pregnant and gave birth to John, after which Zachariah’s voice was restored. Around the same time, Mary become impregnated by the Holy Ghost with Jesus (Mary and Elizabeth are contemporaries; tradition holds they were cousins). John the Baptist’s role is important because it will later become his job to prepare the people for the coming of the Messiah, the knowledge of salvation and the forgiveness of sins “because of the tender mercy of our God” (Luke 1:78). And John the Baptist also has the honors of having baptized Jesus in the River Jordan. In other words, John was one important Biblical dude among Christians and Elizabeth was the Baby Mama. It’s no surprise that the Biblical Elizabeth became the inspiration behind the usage of her name, and why so many Christianized European countries embraced it since the early Middle Ages (her Feast Day is November 5). The much admired Saints Elizabeth of Hungary and Elizabeth of Portugal also encouraged the usage of Elizabeth in later medieval times; further cementing the name’s lasting popularity. Elizabeth is up there with Mary, Margaret and Catherine as long-enduring and enormously popular names which have also spawned scores of variations and pet forms. Elsa is an example of one such pet form originally used among the Germans, Swedish, Finnish and English. Other pet forms you may recognize are Bess, Bessie, Beth, Betty, Buffy, Eliza, Elle, Ella, Ellie, Else, Libby, Lillian, Lisa, Liesel, Liza, Lizzie (and that’s just a partial list!). Elsa is currently the 3rd most popular name in Sweden (2011). It is also a high ranking name in France, Catalonia and Spain. Because Elsa is used among so many European cultures, we would consider this name quite cosmopolitan.

All About the Baby Name – Elsa

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME ELSA

The number one personality is a leader - strong and competitive. They are willing to initiate action and take risks. One personalities work hard toward their endeavors and have the ability to apply their creative and innovative thinking skills with strong determination. They believe in their ability to succeed and are too stubborn to be hindered by obstacles. Ones meet obstacles head-on with such mental vigor and energy that you better step aside. They resent taking orders, so don't try telling them what to do either. This is an intensely active personality, but they are also known as starters rather than finishers. They have a propensity to become bored and will move quickly to the next project if not properly challenged.  They are the ones to think up and put into action new and brilliant ideas, but they are not the ones to stick around and manage them. This personality has an enthusiastic and pioneering spirit. They are distinctly original.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME ELSA

The diminutive Elsa has existed on the American female naming charts since the government first began tracking naming trends (1880). Although the name has never experienced anything beyond moderate popularity, the high point of her usage career came in the late 19th century. Back then Elsa almost (but not quite) made it to the Top 200 list of most favorite girl names. The name saw fairly erratic usage as the 20th century got under way. She reached her lowest point on the charts in the late 1990s at which point she came dangerously close to disappearing forever. Fortunately, this little cutie has returned and seems to be experiencing a mild revival in the 21st century. Elsa is another attractive choice for parents who find names like Emma, Ella and Elise charming but perhaps too overused in today’s environment. Elsa is refreshingly underused in America today and sounds slightly more grown-up than Elsie. Adding some cultural cachet to the name is Richard Wagner’s popular opera “Lohengrin” composed in 1848 which centrally features a soprano character named Elsa (a damsel in distress rescued by a valiant knight).

Quick Facts

ON ELSA

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

528

PRONUNCIATION:

EL-sa

SIMPLE MEANING:

God is my oath; God's promise

Characteristics

OF ELSA

Independent

Individualistic

Ambitious

Strong-willed

Inventive

Successful

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Elsa

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME ELSA

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Elsa

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME ELSA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Elsa


Popular Songs

ON ELSA

Elsa
is the soprano character in Richard Wagner's opera Lohengrin

Famous People

NAMED ELSA

Elsa Benítez (Mexican model)
Elsa Beskow (children’s book author)
Elsa Einstein (Albert Einstein's second wife)
Elsa Eschelsson (first Swedish woman to earn a doctor in law)
Elsa Lanchester (actress)
Elsa Lunghini (French singer)
Elsa Martinelli (Italian actress)
Elsa Maxwell (gossip columnist)
Elsa Schiaparelli (Italian fashion designer)
Elsa Zylberstein (French actress)

Children of Famous People

NAMED ELSA

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Elsa

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME ELSA

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Elsa