Elder

♂ Boy

Pronounced EL-der /ˈɛl.dər/High

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.

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Origin HighEnglish

MeaningElder tree; older one; from Old English ellærn/eldarn (the elder tree, Sambucus nigra) or Old English ealdra (older, elder)

U.S. rank (2025)#2725 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births47 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,268

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

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

Variations

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Nicknames

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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

Ever— shares the -er ending

Elmer— another English name

Explore names like Elder

By themeenglish nature two-syllable botanical tree wisdom

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Elder mean?

Elder means 'elder tree' (Sambucus nigra, the sacred folkloric medicine tree) or 'the older/wiser one,' from Old English.

How do you pronounce Elder?

It's said EL-der /ˈɛl.dər/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Elder a boy or girl name?

Elder is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Elder?

Elder ranked #2396 for U.S. boys in 2024.