Elise

♀ Girl

Pronounced eh-LEEZ /ɛˈliːz/High

Meaning: My God is an oath; pledged to GodHigh

In 30 seconds: A sleek French diminutive of Elizabeth meaning 'pledged to God.' Elise is the Parisian version of a classic — trim, sophisticated, and effortlessly beautiful without a syllable wasted.

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Origin HighFrench, Hebrew

MeaningMy God is an oath; pledged to God

U.S. rank (2025)#223 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births1,367 girls (0.08% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2012

Total births (all-time)≈ 75,176

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Elise is a French short form of Élisabeth, the French rendering of the Hebrew Elisheba (אֱלִישֶׁבַע), composed of El (God) and sheva (oath, or seven), meaning 'my God is an oath.' Elisabeth spread throughout medieval Europe after Saint Elizabeth of Hungary (1207–1231) and the many queens who bore the name, and Elise emerged as its elegant French diminutive.

Elise gained international attention through Beethoven's famous piano piece Für Elise (c. 1810), which ensured the name remained in cultural consciousness through the 19th and 20th centuries. It has been a perennial favourite in France and enjoys sustained popularity across the English-speaking world.

Did you know? Beethoven's beloved piano piece is officially titled Bagatelle No. 25 in A minor — but the world knows it as Für Elise, meaning 'For Elise,' making this name one of the most musically famous in history.

Overall data confidence 95%

Behind the Name — Elise — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

ElisaÉliseElyseElisse

Nicknames

ElLisLissy

Famous Bearers

★Elise Stefanik (1984–present)
American politician and U.S. Representative from New York.

If you like Elise…

Celine— French classic with the same trim, two-syllable sophistication

Amelie— fellow French name with the same light, cinematic elegance

Claire— monosyllabic French-heritage name with the same crisp refinement

Margot— French vintage name with the same understated Parisian chic

Frequently Asked

What does the name Elise mean?

Elise is a French short form of Elizabeth, meaning 'my God is an oath' from the Hebrew Elisheba.

How do you pronounce Elise?

It is said eh-LEEZ /ɛˈliːz/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Elise a boy or girl name?

Elise is used almost exclusively as a girls' name.

How popular is Elise?

Elise has held a steady position in the U.S. top 200–300 for girls for several decades.