Find out how popular the first name Elke has been for the last 48 years (from 1974 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Elke by gender

Based on the last 48 years of data, Elke is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 9 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Elke.

The history of the first name Elke

The name Elke has its origins in the Germanic languages, specifically in the Old High German and Old Saxon dialects. It is a diminutive form of the name Ela, which is derived from the Germanic root "alu," meaning "all" or "complete."

The name Elke first appeared in written records dating back to the 8th century AD, during the Carolingian Renaissance period in Europe. It was commonly used in regions that are now parts of modern-day Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Similar spellings like Elka, Elcke, and Elke were also found in historical documents from that era.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Elke is in the 9th century manuscript "Heliand," an Old Saxon epic poem that retells the life of Jesus Christ. In this text, Elke is mentioned as a character, although it is uncertain whether it was a real person or a fictional name used in the poem.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Elke. One of the most famous was Elke Sommer, a German actress and former model, born in 1940. She rose to prominence in the 1960s and appeared in numerous films, including "A Shot in the Dark" and "The Prize."

Another notable Elke was Elke Krystufek, an Austrian writer and poet born in 1970. She is known for her experimental prose and poetry, exploring themes of identity, language, and perception. Her works include "Memories of the Body" and "The Void Panorama."

In the world of sports, Elke Nagler, a German gymnast born in 1958, made her mark. She won multiple medals, including gold, at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal and the 1979 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships.

Elke Büdenbender, born in 1962, is the spouse of the current President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier. She is a judge and has been involved in various charitable organizations and initiatives.

Elke Sommers, born in 1955, is a Dutch mathematician and computer scientist. She is known for her contributions to the field of computational geometry and has received numerous awards and honors for her work.

While the name Elke has its roots in ancient Germanic languages, it has maintained a presence throughout history and has been carried by individuals from various walks of life, from artists and athletes to academics and public figures.

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 Elke was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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