El
Primarily a boy's name of Hebrew origin with 246 recorded births. Also given to 38 girls.
Meaning & Origin
Any of several major ancient Near East deities, including the supreme god of the Canaanite religion, but especially the supreme Hebrew God.
El is a boy's and girl's baby name of Hebrew origin, meaning 'God' or 'divine power.' In ancient Semitic religion, El was the supreme deity, the father of gods — and the root embedded in countless names like Elijah, Michael, and Daniel.
As a standalone given name, El is extraordinarily rare, but carries immense etymological weight. In modern usage it can also function as a minimalist nickname or a standalone name with quiet, cosmic gravitas.
EtymologyShow more
El first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 1915. Its appearance in the 1910s coincides with waves of immigration, cultural exchange, and the early decades of American popular culture — all of which introduced and popularized new names.
Its Hebrew classification suggests a path from hebrew linguistic traditions into American usage, though the specific route — whether through immigration, literature, or cultural exchange — would require deeper historical research.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
El has 38+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1915.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 5 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 36 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 33 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 16 | ▼ |
| 1970s | 40 | ▲ |
| 1960s | 16 | ▲ |
| 1950s | 7 | ▼ |
| 1940s | 15 | ▼ |
| 1930s | 27 | ▼ |
| 1920s | 30 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 21 | — |
The Story of El
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 2000, El is a name that defines a generation. Boys named El are most likely born between 1990 and 2010.
How rare is El?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, El is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1915, grew steadily over the decades, peaked in the 1970s with 40 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
El by the numbers
- Would fill 5 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(38 years, 1915–2023)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 5 | #12750 |
| 2004 | 6 | #10346 |
| 2003 | 9 | #7423 |
| 2002 | 5 | #11191 |
| 2001 | 5 | #11077 |
| 2000 | 11 | #6032 |
| 1998 | 8 | #7041 |
| 1995 | 7 | #7234 |
| 1992 | 9 | #5778 |
| 1991 | 9 | #5646 |
| 1987 | 6 | #6347 |
| 1986 | 5 | #7042 |
| 1980 | 5 | #6547 |
| 1978 | 8 | #4269 |
| 1977 | 7 | #4743 |
| 1975 | 5 | #5718 |
| 1973 | 8 | #3803 |
| 1972 | 5 | #5192 |
| 1971 | 7 | #4098 |
| 1969 | 5 | #4587 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
El as a Girl's Name
Though more common for boys, El has a notable history as a girl's name too, with 38 births since 1928.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is El a boy's or girl's name?
When was El most popular?
How popular is the name El?
Can El be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1915–2023