Meaning: Elder tree; older one; from Old English ellærn/eldarn (the elder tree, Sambucus nigra) or Old English ealdra (older, elder)High
In 30 seconds: An English word name meaning 'elder tree' or 'the older one.' The elder tree (Sambucus nigra) was sacred in European folklore — its flowers make elderflower cordial and its berries make elderberry syrup, two of nature's most celebrated remedies.
Elder comes from Old English ellærn (the elder tree) or ealdra (older one, an elder). As a given name it is modern American, evoking both the botanical world and the concept of venerable wisdom.
Elder has appeared in U.S. boys' data as a distinctive nature/virtue name. Its 2024 ranking of #2396 reflects modest use.
Did you know? The European elder tree (Sambucus nigra) has been called 'the medicine chest of the country people' — its flowers, berries, leaves, and bark all have traditional medicinal uses. In Norse mythology, the elder was sacred to the goddess Hulda, and cutting one down without asking permission was said to invite misfortune.
Overall data confidence 87%
U.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data
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Nicknames
El
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If you like Elder…
Aspen— tree name with the same nature-naming tradition
Cedar— aromatic tree name in the same botanical category
Ash— one-syllable Old English tree name in the same tradition
