Find out how popular the first name Elder has been for the last 48 years (from 1976 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Elder by gender

Based on the last 48 years of data, Elder is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 48 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Elder.

The history of the first name Elder

The name Elder has its origins in Old English, derived from the word "ealdor," which means "older" or "chief." It was a term of respect and authority used to address elders or leaders in ancient Anglo-Saxon societies. The name reflects the reverence for wisdom and experience associated with age in these early Germanic cultures.

Elder is believed to have been used as a personal name as early as the 7th century AD. One of the earliest recorded instances is Elder Æthelræd, an Anglo-Saxon nobleman who served as Ealdorman (chief minister) to King Æthelred II of Northumbria in the late 7th century.

In the Middle Ages, the name Elder was often associated with religious figures or members of monastic orders. Elder Ælfric, an influential Anglo-Saxon abbot and scholar who lived from circa 955 to 1010, is notable for his written works that helped promote the use of the English language in religious texts.

During the Renaissance period, the name Elder gained popularity among Puritan communities in England and later in the American colonies. Elder William Brewster, born in 1566, was a prominent figure among the Pilgrims who sailed aboard the Mayflower in 1620. He served as an influential leader and spiritual guide in the Plymouth Colony.

Another notable figure was Elder John Leland, born in 1754, a Baptist minister and influential advocate for religious freedom and the separation of church and state in the United States. His writings and activism played a crucial role in shaping the First Amendment of the US Constitution.

In the 19th century, Elder John Taylor, born in 1808, was a prominent leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). He served as the third president of the church and was instrumental in the establishment of Mormon settlements in the western United States.

These examples illustrate the enduring use of the name Elder throughout history, often associated with religious leadership, wisdom, and respect for elders and their guidance within various communities and cultures.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Elder was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Elder, please contact us.

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