Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Elise
GirlFrench, Hebrew· “short for Elisabeth, 'my God is an oath'”
- Meaning
- short for Elisabeth, 'my God is an oath'
- Origin
- French, Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- uh-LEES
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #223
- US babies 2025
- 1,367
- Best rank
- #152 (2012)
- Peak year
- 2012
Meaning and origin of Elise
Elise is a French and Hebrew name that means “short for Elisabeth, 'my God is an oath'”.
Elise is a French short form of Elisabeth, which comes from the Hebrew Elisheba, usually translated as my God is an oath. It has long stood as a name in its own right in France, Germany and Scandinavia. Many people know it through Beethoven's piano piece Für Elise, one of the most recognizable melodies in classical music. Elise feels refined and gentle, with a light European polish. It works well as a first or middle name and offers a softer alternative to Elizabeth. Related names include Elisa, Eliza and Elsie.
Popularity over time
Elise has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #152 in 2012, the same year it reached its highest count of 2,121 babies. In 2025, 1,367 babies were named Elise, and it ranked #223 nationally. That is 26% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #470 in 1920, #614 in 1950, #557 in 1980, #254 in 2000, #196 in 2010, and #223 in 2025. Of the 75,186 US girls named Elise since records began, 24% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 14,576 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Makenzie, Alaina, Aliyah, Brooklynn, and Reese.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Elise ranked highest in Alaska, District of Columbia, and Nevada.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | #64 | 9 |
| District of Columbia | #124 | 6 |
| Nevada | #143 | 17 |
| Illinois | #150 | 66 |
| New Hampshire | #156 | 8 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Elise is usually pronounced uh-LEES, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with E and ends in “-se”.
Middle names for Elise
A few middle names that flow with Elise: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Elise
Similar names
Eloise Girl
EL-oh-eez
“uncertain; possibly healthy and wide” · French
#49
Elyse Girl
ih-LEES
“form of Elise, from Elisabeth” · French
#918
Louise Girl
loo-EEZ
“famous warrior” · French
#516
Anais Girl
ah-nah-EES
“grace, a form of Anna” · French
#892
Simone Girl
sih-MOHN
“he has heard” · French
#998
Joelle Girl
joh-EHL
“Yahweh is God” · French
#1,010
Isabelle Girl
IH-zuh-behl
“form of Elizabeth; my God is an oath” · French
#166
Gabrielle Girl
GA-bree-ehl
“God is my strength” · French
#633
Giselle Girl
jih-ZEL
“pledge” · French
#382
Camille Girl
kuh-MEEL
“ceremonial attendant” · French
#240
Noelle Girl
noh-EHL
“Christmas” · French
#202
Madeleine Girl
MAD-uh-lin
“woman from Magdala” · French
#455
Lists that include Elise
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Elise mean?
Elise is a French and Hebrew name that means “short for Elisabeth, 'my God is an oath'”.
What is the origin of the name Elise?
Elise has French and Hebrew roots. Elise is a French short form of Elisabeth, which comes from the Hebrew Elisheba, usually translated as my God is an oath.
Is Elise a popular name?
Yes. Elise ranked #223 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Elise a boy or girl name?
Elise is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Elise?
Elise is usually pronounced uh-LEES. 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