Eldridge is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English elements "aeld" meaning "old" or "noble", and "ric" which means "power". Therefore, the name Eldridge could be interpreted as "noble ruler" or "strong old one".
The name Eldridge has a rich history dating back to medieval England. It was originally used as a surname, given to individuals who were considered wise and experienced, often elder members of their communities. Over time, the name evolved into a given name, popularized by notable figures such as Eldridge Cleaver, an American civil rights activist and writer.
Eldridge is not a particularly common name today, but it remains unique and distinctive, reflecting its historical roots. It is a name that has stood the test of time, with a meaning that suggests wisdom, strength, and nobility. Whether given as a first or middle name, Eldridge is a choice that reflects a deep respect for history and tradition.
The name Eldridge has seen a varied history of popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 132 babies given this name between 1912 and 1965.
In its peak years, Eldridge was quite popular. Between 1920 and 1926, there were at least 10 births each year, reaching a high of 12 in the year 1920. This period appears to be when the name Eldridge gained significant traction.
However, this popularity was short-lived. Following the peak years, the number of babies named Eldridge decreased significantly, with only 5 or fewer births per year between 1927 and 1948. There were no recorded births with this name in several years during this period.
After a gap of nearly two decades, there was another spike in popularity in 1965, with 5 babies named Eldridge that year. This suggests that while Eldridge may not have been one of the most popular names overall, it has seen intermittent periods of popularity throughout its history.
Overall, these statistics show that while Eldridge may not have been a consistently popular name, it has had moments of significance in U.S. naming trends during this period.