Determining how many people are named Elliot can be tricky, as spellings and name popularity change over time. However, by examining available data on name prevalence and frequency, we can arrive at a reasonable estimate.
What’s in a name?
The name Elliot has origins in several European languages, including English, French, and German. It originated as a medieval form of the Greek name “Elias,” derived from the Hebrew “Eliyyahu,” meaning “Jehovah is God.” Variant spellings such as Eliot, Elliott, and Eliott are common due to the name’s varied linguistic roots.
The name’s popularity has ebbed and flowed over the centuries. Eliot was common in medieval England, likely due to the hagiography of the 6th century Welsh monk Saint Elliot. Use declined after the Middle Ages until a revival in the 19th century. The literary works of George Eliot and T.S. Eliot boosted its prominence.
In the 21st century, Elliot ranks as a moderately popular masculine given name in English-speaking countries. It’s currently most widespread in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. However, you can find people named Elliot nearly anywhere English is spoken.
Estimating the number of Elliots
Several factors make enumerating all Elliots a difficult task:
- Multiple accepted spellings (Elliot, Elliotte, Eliott, etc.)
- Different birth years and generations
- Elliot used as both given name and surname
- Elliots living in many different countries
- Historical records may be incomplete
However, by combining current statistics on the name’s prevalence with population data, reasonable estimates can be calculated.
United States
As of 2022, Elliot was the 167th most common male given name in the United States. According to the Social Security Administration, over 66,000 Americans have been named Elliot since 1880. The table below shows the number of American newborns named Elliot in recent years:
| Year | Number of Elliot’s Born |
| 2021 | 1,580 |
| 2020 | 1,705 |
| 2019 | 1,750 |
| 2018 | 1,741 |
| 2017 | 1,650 |
The current U.S. population is around 333 million. Assuming an average lifespan around 70 years, there are likely over 100,000 men and boys in America today named Elliot.
United Kingdom
Elliot was the 117th most popular boys name in England and Wales in 2021. About 1,300 Elliot’s were born that year. Current population figures put the number of living Elliot’s in the U.K. close to 50,000.
Canada
In 2020, Elliot was Canada’s 75th most common newborn boys name with 389 babies named Elliot. With a population around 38 million, Canada likely has over 15,000 citizens named Elliot.
Australia
Elliot cracked the top 100 boys names in Australia for the first time in 2020. Birth numbers continue rising, with 549 Elliot’s born in 2021. Considering Australia’s population of 25 million, live Elliot’s likely number between 15,000 and 20,000.
Worldwide Estimates
Elliot currently ranks among the top 200 most popular boys names in English-speaking countries worldwide. The table below displays estimates for the number of living Elliot’s by country based on current population data and the name’s prevalence.
| Country | Estimated Elliots |
| United States | 100,000 |
| United Kingdom | 50,000 |
| Canada | 15,000 |
| Australia | 15,000–20,000 |
| New Zealand | 8,000 |
| Ireland | 5,000 |
| South Africa | 10,000 |
| Kenya | 2,000 |
| Other | 25,000 |
| Total | 230,000–235,000 |
Given current data on population and name prevalence, it’s estimated there are between 230,000–235,000 people worldwide named Elliot or some spelling variation.
Growth Predictions
The name Elliot is rising rapidly in popularity in English-speaking countries. If growth continues at the current pace, worldwide numbers could easily top 300,000 by 2030.
Notable Elliots
While thousands of Elliots live ordinary lives, some have gained celebrity status. Below are a few of the most famous Elliots from history and pop culture.
In Politics
- Elliot Abrams – American diplomat and policy advisor
- Elliot Richardson – U.S. Attorney General under Nixon
- Elliot Morley – British Labour Party politician
In Business
- Elliott Management – American hedge fund founded by Paul Singer
- Elliot Turner – British millionaire convicted of murdering his girlfriend
In Sports
- Elliot Perry – 1990s Memphis Grizzlies basketball player
- Elliot Daly – English rugby player
- Elliot Colburn – Scottish cricketer
In Arts & Entertainment
- Elliot Page – Oscar-nominated Canadian actor
- Elliott Smith – 1990s indie singer-songwriter
- Elliot Cowan – Supporting actor in films like Alexander
- Elliot Knight – Actor in Once Upon a Time TV series
Fictional Elliots
The name Elliot has been bestowed on many fictional characters as well. Here are some of the most iconic imaginary Elliots from movies, books, and more.
E.T. the Extraterrestrial
E.T. befriends young Elliott (played by Henry Thomas) in Steven Spielberg’s classic 1982 sci-fi film.
Mr. Robot
Elliot Alderson is the main character (played by Rami Malek) in the TV thriller about a cybersecurity engineer and hacker.
Pete’s Dragon
Pete’s human friend is named Elliott in this 1977 Disney live-action/animated musical.
Open Season
Elliot is a friendly mule deer in Sony Pictures’ 2006 computer-animated comedy.
Scrubs
Elliot Reid is a leading character in the 2000s medical comedy TV series, played by Sarah Chalke.
Leverage
Hacker Alec Hardison goes by the alias Elliot on occasion in this 2000s TNT crime drama.
Conclusion
Calculating the exact number of people named Elliot worldwide is likely impossible. But by synthesizing data on current population statistics and name popularity, we can estimate there are between 230,000–235,000 Elliot’s globally as of 2023.
The name maintains its appeal, especially in English-speaking countries like the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia. If popularity continues rising, the number of Elliot’s could top 300,000 within the next decade.
While most Elliot’s live ordinary lives, some have gained notoriety in politics, business, sports, entertainment, and more. And fictional Elliot’s like E.T., Mr. Robot, and Scrubs’ Elliot Reid have become cultural icons.
In the end, Elliot remains a timeless name with a rich history and bright future. The legion of Elliot’s numbers in the hundreds of thousands, with more joining the fold every year as parents seek a stylish yet versatile name for their baby boys.