Baby Names That Start With E: 45 Girl & Boy Names With Meanings
E names are everywhere right now: Emma, Eleanor, Ethan, Elijah and Ezra all rank among the most-used names in the US. This list gathers 45 names that start with E, with the meaning, origin and a short note on each, from timeless classics to rarer choices.
Reviewed
Where a name's origin is uncertain, as with Eleanor, Elena and Evelyn, we say so. Names are grouped by gender and ordered roughly from classic to distinctive.
Our top picks
Girl names (22)
- EdenHebrewdelight, pleasureSoft, hopeful and Biblical; also used for boys.
- EdithOld Englishprosperous in war (ead + gyth)A vintage name rediscovered; the nickname Edie is adorable.
- EleanorOld French (disputed)uncertain: possibly a form of Helen, 'bright' or 'torch'Regal and literary; the nicknames Ellie and Nora are both lovely.
- ElenaGreekpossibly 'torch' or 'bright' (the origin is debated)The Spanish, Italian and Russian form of Helen.
- ElianaHebrewGod has answeredMelodic and bright; popular across Hebrew and Latin American communities.
- EliseFrenchpledged to God (a short form of Elisabeth)Dainty and well known from Beethoven's 'Für Elise'.
- ElizaHebrewpledged to God (short form of Elizabeth)A bookish classic that is lively and easy.
- ElizabethHebrewmy God is an oathRegal and timeless, with dozens of nicknames.
- EllaGermanicall, completely (the origin is debated)Short, sweet and constantly in the top 50.
- EllieEnglisha pet form of Eleanor, Elizabeth or ElianaCheerful and friendly; works as a stand-alone name.
- EloiseGermanic / Frenchuncertain: possibly 'healthy' or 'wide'Storybook-pretty, as in the children's book 'Eloise'.
- ElowenCornishelm treeA rare Cornish nature name with a lovely sound.
- ElsaGermanica short form of ElisabethCrisp and Scandinavian, with 'Frozen' associations.
- EmeryGermanicindustrious ruler (from Emmerich)A unisex surname-name popular for girls.
- EmiliaLatinrival (from the Roman family name Aemilius)Softer and more elegant than Emily.
- EmilyLatinrival (from Aemilia); often linked to 'eager'A timeless and widely used classic.
- EmmaGermanicwhole, universalOne of the most popular girls' names in the US for years.
- EsmeOld Frenchesteemed, lovedQuiet, literary and elegant.
- EstelleLatin / FrenchstarOld-Hollywood glamour with a celestial meaning.
- EstherPersian / Hebrewstar (Persian); the Hebrew name is linked to 'hidden'A queen in the Bible; vintage and graceful.
- EvaHebrewlife (from Chava)Short, international and timeless.
- EvelynNorman French (disputed)uncertain: possibly 'hazelnut' or 'wished for'A vintage name that has been a US top-20 pick for years.
Boy names (21)
- EamonIrishwealthy protector (Irish form of Edmund)A classic Irish name with a charming sound.
- EastonEnglisheast townA modern surname-name.
- EdgarOld Englishwealthy spear (ead + gar)Literary, thanks to Edgar Allan Poe.
- EdmundOld Englishwealthy protector (ead + mund)A dignified classic with the nickname Ned.
- EdwardOld Englishwealthy guardian (ead + weard)A royal classic; the nicknames Ed, Eddie and Teddy are all endearing.
- EdwinOld Englishwealthy friend (ead + wine)A vintage name that is easy to say.
- EliHebrewascended, highShort and strong; a top-100 name.
- EliasGreekmy God is Yahweh (Greek form of Elijah)Biblical and international, with a European flair.
- ElijahHebrewmy God is YahwehA biblical prophet's name and a top boys' name.
- ElliotEnglishfrom Elias (a form of Elijah)Friendly and sophisticated; also used for girls.
- EllisEnglish / Welshfrom Elias (a form of Elijah)A smart-sounding surname-name that is also used for girls.
- EmmettOld Englishwhole, universal (a form of Emma)A charming vintage name that has made a comeback.
- EnzoItalianruler of the household (a short form of Lorenzo, Vincenzo or Heinrich)Cool, quick and very popular in Europe.
- EricOld Norseeternal rulerA Viking name that is both classic and easy.
- ErnestGermanicserious, determinedVintage and earnest, with the nickname Ernie.
- EthanHebrewstrong, firm, enduringA modern classic that has been popular for decades.
- EugeneGreekwell-born, nobleOld-fashioned and warm, with the nickname Gene.
- EvanWelshGod is gracious (Welsh form of John)Friendly and approachable.
- EverettEnglishbrave as a wild boar (from Eberhard)A strong, handsome surname-name.
- EzekielHebrewGod strengthensA bold biblical prophet's name with the nickname Zeke.
- EzraHebrewhelp, helperShort, scholarly and a top-100 name.
Unisex names (2)
- ElleryEnglishfrom the alder tree (a surname)Rare, literary and gentle.
- EmersonEnglishson of EmeryA literary surname, thanks to Ralph Waldo Emerson.
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How to choose
Soft, friendly sound
E names often begin with a soft vowel and end on a gentle consonant or vowel (Ella, Eli, Emma, Evan), which gives them a warm, approachable sound. They also shorten easily: Eleanor to Ellie or Nora, Edward to Ed or Eddie, Elizabeth to Beth or Eliza.
Mind the spelling
Many E names have several spellings: Elliot, Elliott and Eliot; Emilie, Emily and Emilia; Eli and Ely. Pick one early and check that it works on forms and email addresses.
Classic or modern, choose your feel
Emma, Edward and Elizabeth are classic. Elowen, Easton and Everett feel modern and nature-inspired. Mixing a classic first name with a modern middle name (or the other way round) is a simple way to get both.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most popular baby names that start with E?
Emma, Ella, Eleanor and Evelyn are popular for girls, while Elijah, Ethan, Eli and Ezra are popular for boys. Emma and Elijah in particular have been top names for years.
What are unique baby names that start with E?
Elowen, Eloise, Eamon, Ellery, Esme and Emmett are all distinctive but easy to pronounce.
What are gender-neutral baby names that start with E?
Eden, Emery, Elliot, Ellis, Ellery and Emerson are all used for any gender.
What are strong baby names that start with E?
Ethan (strong, firm), Ezekiel (God strengthens), Eric (eternal ruler) and Everett (brave as a boar) all carry a strong meaning.
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