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Eloise

♀ Girl

Pronounced EL-oh-eez /ˈɛl.oʊ.iːz/High

Meaning: Healthy and wide; or famous in battle — Old French form of Heloise, from Germanic heil (healthy) + wid (wide)Medium

In 30 seconds: A lyrical Old French name with Germanic roots, Eloise gained romantic immortality through the 12th-century love letters of Héloïse and Abélard, and charm through the Plaza Hotel's fictional Eloise.
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Origin HighOld French, Old High German
MeaningHealthy and wide; or famous in battle — Old French form of Heloise, from Germanic heil (healthy) + wid (wide)
Peak year2017
Total births (all-time)≈ 50,985

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201718802017

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

History & Origin

Eloise is an English and French form of Héloïse, which derives from Old French and ultimately Old High German elements. The exact meaning is debated; proposals include 'healthy and wide' or 'famous in battle.'

The name gained romantic fame through Héloïse and Abélard. In the 20th century it was refreshed by Kay Thompson's children's book character Eloise (1955), the irrepressible girl who lives at the Plaza Hotel. It is now firmly in the U.S. top 100.

Did you know? Héloïse d'Argenteuil (c. 1101–1164) and philosopher Peter Abélard exchanged celebrated love letters that remain one of the great romance stories of the Middle Ages.

Variations

HéloïseEloisaEliseLouisa

Nicknames

EllieElsieLou

Famous Bearers

  • ★Héloïse d'Argenteuil (c. 1101–1164)
    French scholar and abbess, famous for her correspondence with philosopher Peter Abélard.

If you like Eloise…

Adeline— three-syllable French vintage classic with the same musical elegance
Josephine— long French classic with the same romantic multi-syllable beauty
Genevieve— French saint's name with the same ethereal literary quality

Frequently Asked

What does the name Eloise mean?

Eloise is an Old French form of Héloïse, with Germanic roots. Its meaning is debated but is often given as 'healthy' or 'famous in battle.'

How do you pronounce Eloise?

It is said EL-oh-eez /ˈɛl.oʊ.iːz/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Eloise a boy or girl name?

Eloise is used exclusively as a girl's name.

How popular is Eloise?

Eloise has been climbing the U.S. charts and now ranks among the top 100 girls' names.