A dramatic and gothically clunky name, borne by medieval
Spanish queens and romantic heroines.
Origin: |
Though it isn't entirely clear what Elvira's etymology is, it certainly originates from Spain. Most likely it derives from the old Germanic name Alberada, composed of the elements alb "elf" and radi" counsel, advice," and therefore etymologically equivalent to Alfred (see post for more information on the symbolism behind the two elements). The name Alberada was well used in early medieval Europe and took a number of localised and variant forms. In Norman French it became Alverat, which later became Aubrey in Britain. Examples from 11th century Italy also show variants Alferada and Alfarana, so it is easy to see how Alberada could have made its way to Elvira. Even more compelling evidence is the many names which Elvira of Castile (c.1100-1135), consort of Roger II of Sicily, was known by including Alberia, Alberie and Alberada. |
Usage: |
Examples of Elvira in medieval Spain are numerous and particularly notable within the royalty and nobility of Castile and León from the 10th to 12th century. León itself had several royal princesses and queen consorts who acted as regent of the kingdom, including Elvira Ramírez (b. c. 935), daughter of King Ramiro II of León who served as regent of the kingdom during the minority of her nephew Ramiro III of León; and Elvira García of Castile, Queen of León (965–1017), consort of Bermudo II of León and co-regent for her son Alfonso V (who incidentally himself married a noblewoman named Elvira Mendes). Elvira was also the name of the ancient Spanish city in Andalucia. We now know it as Granada: its name having changed by the Moors in the 11th century. In this instance, Elvira was a rendering of the city's Latin name Illiberis. Elvira had a consistent run of usage in Spain from the Middle Ages onwards. Its usage in Britain, on the other hand, dates from at least the 16th century. Examples were uncommon at first and several parish records have Spanish surnames, indicating that its use was partly due to migration. There were several different forms recorded during this period such as Elvirie, Alvira, Alvera, Alvara and Alvora. Some examples, such as Ilvory, Alvery and Elphrey, are difficult to distinguish from the English vernacular forms of Aubrey/Alverat/Aphra, themselves also descended from Alberada. During the 17th and 18th century, Elvira was also a favourite in literature. First came George Digby's comedic play Elvira in 1667, followed by another of the same name by David Mallet a century later. It was also intrinsically liked to the legend of Don Juan, and particulalrly popularised by Mozart's opera Don Giovanni in 1787. Several other 19th century operas, written by the likes of Rossini, Bellini and Verdi, ;also featured the name for their heroines. Data from the 1881 census shows that Elvira's usage was pocketed around the county, particularly in Glamorgan, Middlesex, Monmouthshire, Surrey and Lancashire. Intriguingly, distribution per 100,000 people puts it firmly in South Wales — and more specifically Merthy Tydfil and Pontypridd. Across England and Wales, Elvira was never popular enough to break into the top 200, but it was in consistent and continual use. It gradually increased in usage throughout the 20th century, reaching a peak in the 1910s. This can be seen in the birth registrations per decade in England and Wales: 1840s: 122 births Since 1996, Elvira has had a birth count of no more than 6 births in any given year in England and Wales. Its highest peaks were in 2008 (#3397, 6 births) and 2011 (#3549, 6 births). No Elviras were registered in Scotland between 2005 and 2012. In 2013, however, 1 girl was registered with the name putting it at #1525. Elsewhere in the world, Elvira ranked #39 in Sweden and #97 in Norway in 2013. |
Famous Bearers: |
Royalty: * Elvira Ramírez (c. 935–after 986), princess and regent of León. History: * Elvira Madigan (1867-1889), Danish tightrope walker and trick rider. Contemporary: * Elvira Kurt (born 1961), Canadian comedian. Literature and Other Media: * Elvira, character in the 1667 play Elvira by George Digby, 2nd Earl of Bristol. Other: * Elvira, an ancient city in Spain, now called Granada. |
Variants: | Elvire (French), Elvaira (Romani) |
Pronunciation: |
el-VEER-ə [key] |
Possible Diminutives: |
Effie, Elfie, Evie, Eva, Eve, Ella, Ellie, Vera, Vivi, Liv, Livi, Riva |
Sibling Names: |
Paloma Ursula Leonore Marguerite Zelda Minerva |
Name Lists: |
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Thanks to Polly for requesting this post.