Boy Name
Elwood
Elwood means “Elf”. It is used as a boy's name across several naming traditions, and it is rare in the United States today — outside the SSA top 1,000.
Origin and meaning: English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0). Popularity: US Social Security Administration.
Elwood is a boy baby name, meaning "Elf". It currently sits in the Rare tier of US baby names for 2026, and parents who love Elwood often also consider Ellwood.
Elwood meaning, origin, and usage
Meaning: Elf
Origin: Multiple naming traditions are associated with this name.
Pronunciation: Baby Name Studio pronounces Elwood as E·L·W·O·O·D, with 6 letters and a boy usage profile.
Popularity: According to Baby Name Studio's 2026 tracker, Elwood is an uncommon, standout choice in the Rare tier.
Elwood variants, nicknames, middle names, and sibling names
- Variants and spelling ideas: Elwooda, Elwoode, Elwoody, Elwoo.
- Nicknames: Elw and E.
- Middle names: Pair Elwood with a middle name that balances its substantial sound; start with the Elwood middle name generator.
- Sibling names: Ellwood, Eliott, Eliud, Elliot, Eladio — full picks on the sibling names for Elwood guide for a cohesive sibset.
- Similar names: Looking for names that sound like Elwood? Browse our names like Elwood guide for phonetic-neighbor picks.
- Explore more: use the Baby Name Explorer, name search, AI name generator, and Baby Name Studio homepage.
Frequently asked about Elwood
What does the name Elwood mean?
Elwood means "Elf". The meaning is recorded in English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0), and in US records Elwood is used as a boy name.
What is the origin of Elwood?
The exact origin of Elwood is debated, but it has been used across multiple naming traditions.
How do you pronounce Elwood?
Elwood has 6 letters and is most commonly stressed on the first syllable.
Is Elwood a boy's or girl's name?
Elwood is primarily used as a boy's name in US records.
How popular is Elwood in 2026?
In our 2026 popularity tracker, Elwood sits in the Rare tier — an uncommon, standout choice.
What names are similar to Elwood?
Names that share Elwood's sound and style include Ellwood, Eliott, Eliud, Elliot, Eladio.
What middle names pair well with Elwood?
Good middle-name fits for Elwood pair an opposite syllable rhythm: if Elwood is short, lean longer (e.g. classical or three-syllable middles); if Elwood is longer, a one-syllable middle keeps the full name from feeling heavy.
What are good sibling names for Elwood?
Sibling names that pair naturally with Elwood share its rhythm without rhyming — Ellwood, Eliott, Eliud all sit comfortably alongside it on a shortlist.