Ellwood is a rare and unique given name of English origin. Its meaning and history are deeply rooted in the Anglo-Saxon culture.
The name Ellwood is derived from two Old English elements: "ælf" meaning elf, and "wudu" meaning wood. Therefore, Ellwood can be interpreted as "elf wood," possibly referring to a grove or woodland inhabited by elves.
There is no significant historical figure associated with the name Ellwood. However, it has been used sparingly throughout history, appearing occasionally in records from the Middle Ages onward.
In literature, Ellwood appears most notably in John Milton's epic poem "Paradise Lost." In this work, Ellwood is a devout and humble man who welcomes Adam and Eve into his home after their expulsion from Eden. This character may have contributed to the name's rarity, as it was not widely used until the 19th century.
Today, Ellwood remains an uncommon given name, with only a small number of people bearing this distinctive moniker. Despite its rarity, Ellwood carries a rich history and unique meaning that sets it apart from more common names.
The name Ellwood has had a varied history of popularity in the United States since it first appeared in birth records in 1882 with five births that year. The number of births fluctuated significantly over the years, ranging from as few as one to as many as 82.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ellwood was relatively uncommon, with fewer than ten births per year most years. However, there were a few notable spikes in popularity during this time: 34 births in both 1912 and 1913, 55 births in 1915, and 73 births in 1916.
The name's popularity began to decline significantly after the mid-1920s. Between 1928 and 1940, there were fewer than 30 births per year on average. This trend continued throughout most of the rest of the century, with Ellwood falling out of fashion as a baby name.
In fact, between 1950 and 2017, there were only 18 years in which more than ten babies were named Ellwood at birth. The most recent spike in popularity occurred in 2021, with seven births that year.
Overall, since its first appearance on U.S. birth records in 1882, the name Ellwood has been given to a total of 1979 babies in the United States. While it was once relatively popular, particularly during the early 20th century, it has since fallen out of favor as a baby name. However, its recent appearance on birth records suggests that it may be experiencing something of a resurgence in popularity among parents today.