Elke is a unique and charming name of German origin. It is derived from the Old Germanic element "Adal", which means "noble". The name Elke has been used in Germany for centuries, but it gained popularity worldwide during the mid-20th century.
The earliest known use of the name Elke was in medieval Germany, where it was a diminutive form of names such as Adelheid or Adele. Over time, Elke evolved into a standalone given name and became popular among German families.
In English-speaking countries, Elke is often associated with the famous German actress Elke Sommer, who rose to fame during the 1960s and 1970s. However, despite its German roots, the name Elke has been adopted by families from various backgrounds around the world.
Today, Elke remains a popular choice for parents looking for a distinctive yet approachable name for their daughter. Its unique sound and noble meaning make it an appealing option for those seeking something different from the traditional top 10 names. Whether you're drawn to its German heritage or simply appreciate its charming sound, Elke is sure to be a standout name for your little one.
The name Elke has had a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past seven decades. From 1953 to 1976, there was a notable increase in its usage, peaking at 76 births in 1968. However, from 1977 onwards, there has been a steady decline in its popularity, with fewer than 20 births per year on average between 1980 and 2021.
Interestingly, despite the overall decrease in usage, Elke has seen occasional spikes in popularity over the years. For instance, there were 34 births in 1977, 27 births in both 1978 and 1979, and another spike to 15 births in 1989.
However, since the early 1990s, Elke has been used less frequently as a baby name in the United States. Between 1992 and 2021, there have only been five years where more than ten babies were named Elke at birth: 1994 (11 births), 2003 (11 births), 2004 (13 births), 2005 (11 births), and 2014 (14 births).
In total, from 1953 to 2021, there have been 1,090 babies named Elke born in the United States.