Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Elvira
GirlSpanish, Germanic· “uncertain; possibly Visigothic, true or foreign”
- Meaning
- uncertain; possibly Visigothic, true or foreign (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Spanish, Germanic
- Pronunciation
- ehl-VY-ruh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #1,715
- US babies 2025
- 119
- Best rank
- #254 (1914)
- Peak year
- 1920
Meaning and origin of Elvira
Elvira is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly Visigothic, true or foreign”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Spanish and Germanic roots.
Elvira is a Spanish name with an uncertain origin, possibly from a Visigothic name. Its meaning is often given as true or foreign, but these explanations are disputed. The name became widespread in Spain and later in other European countries. In Mozart's opera Don Giovanni, Donna Elvira is one of the women deceived by the title character. Many Americans also know the name from Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, the horror host character. It is pronounced ehl-VY-ruh or ehl-VEER-uh. The name has a dramatic, romantic flair, and Elvie is a sweet nickname.
Popularity over time
Elvira 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 99 different years. Its best national rank was #254 in 1914, and the most babies received it in 1920, when 592 were named Elvira. In 2025, 119 babies were named Elvira, and it ranked #1,715 nationally. That is 138% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #268 in 1920, #545 in 1950, #1,098 in 1980, #1,804 in 2000, #3,765 in 2010, and #1,715 in 2025. Of the 27,234 US girls named Elvira since records began, 20% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 4,229 babies. Since 2010, 1,007 more have been named Elvira.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Harriett, Clarice, Eugenia, Flossie, and Margery.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Elvira ranked highest in Arizona, Michigan, and Virginia.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | #949 | 6 |
| Michigan | #996 | 7 |
| Virginia | #1237 | 5 |
| Texas | #1323 | 19 |
| California | #1518 | 15 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Elvira is usually pronounced ehl-VY-ruh, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with E and ends in “-ra”.
Middle names for Elvira
A few middle names that flow with Elvira: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Elvira
Similar names
Xiomara Girl
see-oh-MAHR-uh
“uncertain; possibly 'famous in battle'” · Spanish
#463
Yajaira Girl
yah-HY-ruh
Spanish
#4,457
Sonora Girl
suh-NOR-uh
“sonorous; also a Mexican state” · Spanish
#3,023
Sierra Girl
see-AIR-uh
“mountain range” · Spanish
#616
Alondra Girl
ah-LOHN-druh
“lark” · Spanish
#680
Teodora Girl
tay-oh-DOR-uh
“gift of God” · Spanish
#6,091
Almira Girl
al-MEER-uh
“uncertain, possibly princess” · Arabic
#10,149
Yanira Girl
yah-NEE-rah
“modern Spanish name, uncertain origin” · Spanish
#5,232
Alicia Girl
uh-LEE-shuh
“noble kind” · Germanic
#460
Amalia Girl
uh-MAHL-yuh
“work” · Germanic
#566
Kassandra Girl
kuh-SAN-druh
Greek
#1,177
Barbara Girl
BAR-bruh
“foreign woman” · Greek
#968
Lists that include Elvira
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Elvira mean?
Elvira is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly Visigothic, true or foreign”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Spanish and Germanic roots.
What is the origin of the name Elvira?
Elvira has Spanish and Germanic roots. Elvira is a Spanish name with an uncertain origin, possibly from a Visigothic name.
Is Elvira a popular name?
Not especially. Elvira ranked #1,715 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Elvira a boy or girl name?
Elvira is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Elvira?
Elvira is usually pronounced ehl-VY-ruh. 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