Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Elba
GirlItalian, Spanish· “Italian island, or Germanic elf”
- Meaning
- Italian island, or Germanic elf (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Italian, Spanish
- Pronunciation
- EL-buh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #11,207
- US babies 2025
- 8
- Best rank
- #761 (1891)
- Peak year
- 1956
Meaning and origin of Elba
Elba is often said to mean “Italian island, or Germanic elf”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Italian and Spanish roots.
Elba is best known as the name of the island off the coast of Tuscany where Napoleon was exiled in 1814. It is said EL-buh. Elbie is a possible nickname. The name has a crisp, vintage sound. The island's name is ancient and its meaning is uncertain. As a given name, Elba is used in Spanish-speaking countries and in the United States, and it may also be linked to Germanic names built on alb or elf. Because of these different possibilities, no single meaning should be claimed.
Popularity over time
Elba first appears in US Social Security records in 1888. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 2 different years, starting in 1891. Its best national rank was #761 in 1891, and the most babies received it in 1956, when 82 were named Elba. In 2025, 8 babies were named Elba, and it ranked #11,207 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,385 in 1920, #1,554 in 1950, #2,498 in 1980, #5,367 in 2000, #9,969 in 2010, and #11,207 in 2025. Of the 3,393 US girls named Elba since records began, 16% were born in the 1960s, its biggest decade. The 1950s come next, with 516 babies. Since 2010, 145 more have been named Elba.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Laurette, Larita, Drusilla, Micki, and Cindie.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Elba is usually pronounced EL-buh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with E and ends in “-ba”.
Middle names for Elba
A few middle names that flow with Elba: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Elba
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Lists that include Elba
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Elba mean?
Elba is often said to mean “Italian island, or Germanic elf”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Italian and Spanish roots.
What is the origin of the name Elba?
Elba has Italian, Spanish, and Germanic roots. Elba is best known as the name of the island off the coast of Tuscany where Napoleon was exiled in 1814.
Is Elba a popular name?
Not especially. Elba ranked #11,207 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Elba a boy or girl name?
Elba is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Elba?
Elba is usually pronounced EL-buh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings