Elvis

♂ Boy

Pronounced EL-vis /ˈɛl.vɪs/High

Meaning: All wise; elf friend; from Old Norse Álvís (all-wise) or Elf + wise (elfin wisdom)Medium

In 30 seconds: A name of uncertain origin, possibly from Old Norse Álvís (all-wise) or connected to elf wisdom. Known in the 20th century entirely through Elvis Presley — 'the King of Rock and Roll' — who made this obscure name globally iconic.

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Origin MediumNorse, English

MeaningAll wise; elf friend; from Old Norse Álvís (all-wise) or Elf + wise (elfin wisdom)

U.S. rank (2024)#1169 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births177 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1957

Total births (all-time)≈ 17,824

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Elvis may derive from Old Norse Álvís (all-wise) or from an English dialect name related to elves and wisdom. The name was relatively obscure before Elvis Presley made it globally recognized. It appears in pre-Presley Scandinavian and Southern American records.

Elvis entered charts significantly through Elvis Presley's fame. It ranked #1169 for boys in 2024.

Did you know? Elvis Presley (1935–1977) received his name from his father Vernon's middle name (Elvis) — itself from Old Norse through the Presley family heritage. When Elvis became 'the King,' his name became one of the most uniquely associated in American cultural history.

Overall data confidence 78%

Behind the Name — Elvis — uncertain etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

AlvisAlvise

Nicknames

Famous Bearers

★Elvis Presley (1935–1977)
American rock and roll singer known as 'the King of Rock and Roll' and one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

If you like Elvis…

Aldis— Old Norse -is ending name with the same archaic Nordic feel

Alvis— the Old Norse 'all-wise' name Elvis most directly derives from

Orvis— Old English -vis ending name with the same vintage rare quality

Jervis— Norman -is ending surname name with the same archaic feel

Norris— Norman/Old Norse name with the same -is ending vintage character

Frequently Asked

What does the name Elvis mean?

Elvis possibly means 'all-wise' from Old Norse Álvís, or is connected to elf wisdom. Its exact etymology is uncertain.

How do you pronounce Elvis?

It's said EL-vis — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Elvis a boy or girl name?

Elvis is used as a boys' name.

How popular is Elvis?

Elvis ranked #1169 for U.S. boys in 2024.