The name Elsie has its origins in the Old German language, derived from the name Alis or Alice. It is a diminutive form of the Germanic name Adaliz, composed of the elements "adal" meaning "noble" and "lind" meaning "serpent." The name first appeared in the 9th century and was brought to England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest in 1066.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Elsie can be found in the Domesday Book, a manuscript dating back to 1086, which recorded the names of landowners in England. In the book, there is an entry for an individual named "Aelfsige," which is believed to be an early version of the name Elsie.

Historically, the name Elsie has been associated with various notable figures. One of the most prominent was Queen Elsie of Merania (c. 1180-1233), who was the wife of King Valdemar II of Denmark and played a significant role in Danish politics during the 13th century.

Another notable figure with the name Elsie was Elsie Inglis (1864-1917), a Scottish physician and surgeon who founded several hospitals and medical facilities for women. She was a pioneering figure in the field of medicine and played a crucial role in providing medical care during World War I.

In the world of literature, Elsie Dinsmore is the title character of a series of children's novels written by Martha Finley in the late 19th century. The books, which were popular at the time, followed the life and adventures of a young girl named Elsie Dinsmore.

Elsie de Wolfe (1865-1950), an American actress and interior decorator, was also a notable figure with this name. She was widely regarded as one of the first professional interior designers and was influential in shaping the modern interior design industry.

Another significant Elsie was Elsie Scheel (1905-1989), a Danish writer and children's book author who wrote several popular books for young readers, including the series about the character Kathrine.

While these are just a few examples, the name Elsie has been used throughout history by various individuals from different backgrounds and professions, each leaving their mark on their respective fields and contributing to the rich tapestry of cultural and historical significance associated with this name.