Ellsworth is a rare and unique given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English elements "aelf" meaning "elf" or "noble", and "scir" which translates to "bright" or "shining". Therefore, the name Ellsworth can be interpreted as "noble bright" or "shining noble".
The name Ellsworth has a long history, with its earliest known use dating back to the Middle Ages in England. However, it was not widely used during this time and remained relatively obscure for centuries.
It was not until the 18th century that the name Ellsworth began to gain popularity, particularly in New England where many people of English descent settled. One notable figure with the name Ellsworth is William Ellsworth, who served as a US Representative from Connecticut in the early 19th century.
Despite its historic roots and unique meaning, Ellsworth remains a rare choice for a given name today. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it has never been among the top 1000 most popular names for boys or girls in the United States. However, those who do bear this distinctive name can take pride in its noble origins and rich history.
The name Ellsworth has a fascinating history when it comes to its usage in the United States. According to statistical records, the name first began to gain some traction in the late 1800s.
In 1880, there were 11 births of individuals named Ellsworth. This number increased slightly in 1881 with 15 births. However, it wasn't until 1892 that we saw a significant jump, with 28 births that year. The following year, the number rose again to 32.
The early 1900s marked a turning point for the name Ellsworth. In 1904, there were 36 births, and this trend continued throughout the decade, peaking at 44 births in 1908.
However, the real explosion in popularity of the name Ellsworth occurred during World War I. Between 1912 and 1917, the number of births increased dramatically from 58 to a peak of 300. This can be attributed to the patriotic spirit of the time, as many parents chose names that reflected their support for the war effort.
After World War I, the popularity of the name Ellsworth began to decline. By the 1920s, the number of births had fallen to around 200 per year, and it continued to drop throughout the decade.
The Great Depression and World War II further reduced the usage of the name Ellsworth. In the 1930s and 1940s, there were typically fewer than 100 births per year with this name.
In the post-war era, the name Ellsworth remained relatively rare. Between 1950 and 2000, there were rarely more than 50 births per year with this name. However, it seems that in recent years, there has been a slight resurgence of the name Ellsworth, with around 6 to 11 births per year since 2013.
Overall, while the name Ellsworth has had its ups and downs in popularity over the past century and a half, it remains a distinctive and unique choice for parents looking for a strong and meaningful name for their child.