Elwood is a name of English origin that has been used for generations. It is derived from the Old English word "ælf" which means "elf", and "wudu" which means "wood". Therefore, Elwood can be interpreted as "elf wood" or "elf spirit of the woods".
The name Elwood was popular in medieval England and was often used as a surname before becoming more common as a given name in the 19th century. It is considered to be a unique yet timeless choice for a boy's name, offering a blend of vintage charm and modern appeal.
Some notable individuals with the name Elwood include Elwood Blues, the character played by Dan Aykroyd in the "Blues Brothers" films, and Elwood P. Dowd, the protagonist of the play and film "Harvey". However, these references are not meant to define or influence the meaning and history of the name Elwood itself.
In conclusion, Elwood is a rare and distinctive name with a rich historical background. Its origins in Old English language make it a unique choice for parents looking for a name that combines vintage charm with modern appeal.
Based on the statistics provided for the name Elwood in the United States from 1880 to 2023, we can observe several trends and patterns:
From 1880 to around 1912, the number of births with the name Elwood fluctuated between 23 and 262, with a steady increase over this period. The years 1912 to 1915 saw a significant surge in popularity for the name, with the highest number of births recorded at 529 in 1915.
However, after 1915, there was a gradual decrease in the usage of the name Elwood. By the mid-1930s, the annual births with this name dropped below 400 and continued to decline throughout the following decades. The lowest point was reached in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with fewer than 20 births per year.
From the late 1980s onwards, the popularity of the name Elwood remained quite low but relatively stable, with annual birth counts ranging between 10 to 40. In recent years, from 2015 to 2023, there has been a slight increase in the usage of the name Elwood, with an average of approximately 40 births per year.
In total, over the course of 143 years (from 1880 to 2023), there have been 20,632 births registered with the name Elwood in the United States. This data provides insights into the historical trends and fluctuations in the popularity of the name Elwood throughout different periods in American history.