Elke

The female first name Elke is a Low German-Frisian diminutive of names that begin with the element 'Adal-', primarily Adelheid. In a figurative sense, the name means 'the noble', 'the aristocratic', 'the distinguished', and 'of noble character'.

What does the name Elke mean?

The female first name Elke is a Low German-Frisian diminutive of names that begin with the element 'Adal-', primarily Adelheid. In a figurative sense, the name means 'the noble', 'the aristocratic', 'the distinguished', and 'of noble character'. Its origin lies in Old High German, derived from the two name components adal for 'noble', 'distinguished', 'the nobility', 'of noble descent', 'noble lineage', or 'noble ancestry' and heit for 'the kind', 'the manner', 'the form', or 'the origin'. From the name Adelheid, Adelke emerged, and later the more well-known variant Elke. Another variant is Elka. In Germany, the given name was particularly popular between the 1920s and 1970s.

Where does the name Elke come from?

The etymology of Elke is a female first name of Old High German origin meaning 'the noble'. Old High German

How do you pronounce Elke?

Sound & pronunciation of Elke: The name Elke is two syllables and clearly structured. In German pronunciation, it is usually pronounced as 'El-ke' [ˈɛlkə], with the consonant combination in the center providing a compact sound form. The soft ending on '-ke' brings balance to the sound. Elke appears down-to-earth and timeless - calm, factual, and present.

When is the name day of Elke?

The name day for Elke is February 5, March 28, and December 16.

Popularity

In the early 1930s, the name Elke was initially rare in Germany, ranking only in the top 300 in 1930 and 1931. However, from 1932, there was a rapid rise: by 1939, the name had already reached 3rd place, thus belonging to the absolute top group. The peak phase of the name was between 1939 and 1945. In 1942, the name reached the top position, in 1943 and 1944 it was 2nd place, and in 1939 it was already 3rd place. For several years, it was clearly a top 3 name in Germany.

Nicknames & pet names

Ela / Elche / Ele / Eleka / Elge / Eli / Elk / Elka / Elkal / Elkchen / Elke-Popelke / Elkele / Elkeli / Elken / Elkepelke / Elki / Elkiane / Elkidelki / Elkinator / Elks / Ella / Elle / Elli / Ellilein / Elq / Elsi / Nelke

Similar first names

Elk

Famous people

• Elke Austenat (German doctor)
• Elke Bergsma (German writer)
• Elke Clijsters (Belgian tennis player)
• Elke Diepenbeck (German singer)
• Elke Doris Drüll (German field hockey player)
• Elke Hauck (German film director)
• Elke Heidenreich (author)
• Elke Hipler (rower from Germany)
• Elke Holle-Riemenschneider (ballet dancer from Germany)
• Elke Jeinsen (Swedish model)
• Elke Koska (actress from Germany)
• Elke Lang (actress from Germany)
• Elke Luise Barnstedt (German lawyer)
• Elke Müller-Mees (German writer)
• Elke Pistor (German writer)
• Elke Platz-Waury (German writer)
• Elke Radlingsmaier (Austrian fencer)
• Elke Rehder (American painter)
• Elke Reva Sudin (American artist)
• Elke Richter (German table tennis player)