This derivative of Elisabeth, which means “God is oath” in Hebrew, has established itself in the French landscape since the 1990s. Today present in the top 200 female first names, it seduces with its timeless elegance and its international resonance.
A late but lasting rise in France
Unlike other first names of Germanic or Anglo-Saxon origin, this choice took time to win over French parents. Appearing in the 19th century in English- and German-speaking countries, this first name first gained popularity thanks to opera. Lohengrin by Wagner, where a female character wears it with grace. However, this cultural notoriety is not enough to immediately cross French borders.
We had to wait until 1988 to witness a real explosion: the success of the French singer Elsa propelled the name into the national top 60. This breakthrough marks a decisive turning point. Today, with 47,000 people wearing it in France and a confirmed presence in the top 200 most given female first names in 2025, this choice is a lasting choice among the preferences of the French, while also radiating in Italy and the Scandinavian countries.
A first name with multiple international variations
The richness of this first name also lies in its ability to appear in various forms depending on the culture. Ellie, Else, Elsie, Elssa, Elza, Elsy, Ilsa and Ilse constitute so many variants which testify to its adaptation to different European languages. This linguistic plasticity contributes to its cross-border success and its modernity.
On a characterological level, this first name evokes direction, independence, dynamism, assurance and audacity. Personality traits that particularly resonate with the contemporary image conveyed by popular culture.
The “Frozen” effect: when Disney reinvents the modern heroine
“Liberated, delivered”: two words are enough for the miracle to work. Since the release of the animated film The Snow Queen in 2013, the cult song accompanies thousands of families, sometimes for a lifetime. The heroine of the film overturns all the codes of traditional romantic love. She accepts her destiny without Prince Charming, without a carriage, and madly mocks the classic epilogue “they lived happily and had many children”.
This representation of a strong, independent woman in control of her power had a profound impact on a generation of parents and children. The Disney character has thus given a new lease of life to this first name, which already carries a rich history, consolidating its place in the hearts of the French and giving it a resolutely modern and emancipatory dimension.