Eilert is a masculine given name of Scandinavian origin, specifically from Norway and Denmark. It is derived from the Old Norse personal name Eilífr, which is composed of the elements álir, meaning "elf," and friðr, meaning "peace." Therefore, the name Eilert can be translated to mean "elf peace" or "peace of the elves."
The name Eilert has a rich history in Scandinavia. It was borne by several notable figures throughout the centuries. One of the most famous is Eilif Tordsson, a 13th-century Norwegian skald and poet at the court of King Håkon IV. His works, including the poem "Þórsdrápa," are among the few Old Norse skaldic poems that have survived to this day.
Eilert was also the name of a character in Henrik Ibsen's play "Peer Gynt," published in 1867. In the story, Eilert is Peer Gynt's father and a colorful character known for his tall tales and eccentric behavior. This portrayal has contributed to making the name Eilert more widely recognized beyond Scandinavia.
While Eilert may not be as commonly used today as it once was in Scandinavia, it remains a distinctive and historic name with a unique meaning rooted in Norse mythology and culture. Parents who choose this name for their sons often appreciate its rarity and the rich heritage it carries.
The statistics provided show the number of babies named Eilert born in the United States each year from 1913 to 1917. During this period, there were seven births in both 1913 and 1915, indicating that these years had the highest number of newborns with this name during this time frame. There was also a notable number of babies named Eilert born in 1916, with seven occurrences as well.
However, there was a decrease in the number of births for this name in 1917, with only five recorded that year. This could indicate a decline in popularity for the name during this period.
Overall, across these four years, a total of 26 babies were named Eilert in the United States.