Most Popular Names Starting With ‘E’ Right Now

Ever found yourself scrolling through baby name lists at 3 AM, wondering if Emma is too popular or if Ezra has that perfect blend of unique-but-not-too-unique vibe? You are not alone in this late-night quest for the perfect ‘E’ name! I have been there too, bleary-eyed and comparing name meanings while my husband snored beside me.

Names that start with ‘E’ have this magical quality – they sound elegant yet approachable, classic yet fresh. Right now, ‘E’ names are having quite the moment in nurseries across the country.

Let me walk you through the most popular ‘E’ names making waves right now, plus some hidden gems you might not have considered yet. Trust me, after raising four kids and helping countless friends name their babies, I have seen the good, the bad, and the “what were they thinking?” of baby naming!

Top ‘E’ Names for Girls in 2023

Girl names starting with ‘E’ range from vintage classics to modern beauties. These names are topping the charts for good reason!

1. Emma – Still reigning supreme after years in the spotlight, Emma continues to charm parents with its simple elegance. Jane Austen fans appreciate the literary connection, while others love its cross-cultural appeal.

2. Evelyn – This gorgeous vintage name has made a spectacular comeback. With nickname options like Evie or Eve, it offers flexibility while maintaining its sophisticated vibe.

3. Elizabeth – The queen of classic names never truly goes out of style. Elizabeth offers approximately 5,000 nickname options (okay, slight exaggeration, but you get the point): Liz, Beth, Ellie, Lizzy, Betty… the list goes on!

4. Ella – Short, sweet, and impossible to mispronounce, Ella hits that perfect balance between familiar and fresh. It works beautifully for a baby, a businesswoman, or anything in between.

5. Emily – Another timeless choice that parents keep coming back to. Emily feels both literary and approachable, with just enough traditional appeal.

These top five barely scratch the surface of beautiful ‘E’ options for your little lady. Let me share some more stunning contenders that are climbing the popularity charts:

1. Eleanor – Sophisticated with historical weight, Eleanor offers cute nicknames like Ellie or Nora.

2. Eliana – This gorgeous name with Hebrew origins means “God has answered” – perfect for your long-awaited little miracle!

3. Eva – Simple, international, and utterly timeless. Eva works in practically every language.

4. Emilia – A more elaborate alternative to Emily that’s gaining serious momentum, especially after actress Emilia Clarke made it more visible.

5. Eden – This paradise-inspired name brings natural beauty and biblical connections.

Parents today seem drawn to ‘E’ names with vintage vibes or names with meanings tied to light, beauty, or strength. The letter ‘E’ itself has a bright, optimistic sound that starts these names off on a positive note.

Top ‘E’ Names for Boys in 2023

Boy names starting with ‘E’ have seen quite the renaissance lately. These strong contenders are filling preschool classrooms everywhere:

1. Elijah – This biblical powerhouse combines spiritual depth with a contemporary sound. The nickname Eli adds to its versatility.

2. Ethan – Strong, steady, and consistently popular, Ethan feels both traditional and modern. It has maintained its appeal without feeling overused.

3. Ezra – Once considered unusual, Ezra has skyrocketed in popularity. Its biblical roots and zippy ‘z’ sound make it distinctive yet accessible.

4. Evan – Simple and strong, Evan works across cultures and carries a gentle masculinity that many parents are drawn to.

5. Everett – This sophisticated surname-turned-first-name has vintage charm with modern appeal. The double letters make it visually interesting too.

The boys’ list continues with these rapidly rising stars:

1. Ellis – Once primarily a surname, Ellis has a distinguished sound with a friendly vibe.

2. Emmett – Gaining momentum every year, Emmett feels both old-fashioned and fresh simultaneously.

3. Elliott – Whether spelled with one ‘t’ or two, Elliott combines friendliness with substance.

4. Edward – The ultimate classic making a quiet comeback, with great nickname options like Eddie or Ted.

5. Ezekiel – For parents seeking something with biblical significance but a contemporary edge, Ezekiel (with the cool nickname Zeke) fits the bill.

Boy names starting with ‘E’ tend to balance strength with accessibility. Many have historical or biblical connections while still feeling relevant for today’s children.

Gender-Neutral ‘E’ Names Gaining Popularity

Not looking to confine your child to traditional gender categories? These versatile ‘E’ names work beautifully for any child:

1. Ellis – Working equally well for boys and girls, Ellis has Welsh origins and a sophisticated sound.

2. Emerson – Originally a surname meaning “son of Emery,” Emerson has transcended its masculine roots to become a popular choice for all genders.

3. Eden – This paradise-inspired name works beautifully regardless of gender, with natural and peaceful associations.

4. Elliott/Elliot – Though traditionally male, many parents now choose this name for daughters too, sometimes with the spelling variation Eliot.

5. Everly – A relatively new contender that blends Ever and Beverly vibes, Everly has quickly become a unisex favorite.

Other gender-neutral options include:

1. Ember – Fiery and nature-inspired, Ember has a modern, elemental quality.

2. Echo – Unusual but recognizable, Echo brings mythological connections and a distinctive sound.

3. Easton – This directional name works across gender lines with its strong, geographical vibe.

4. Erin – Though more traditional for girls in the US, Erin has long been used for boys in Ireland.

5. Ever – Simple yet meaningful, Ever has a timeless quality that works beautifully for any child.

The rise in gender-neutral naming reflects our evolving understanding of gender and parents’ desire to give children names that won’t limit their self-expression or opportunities.

Unique ‘E’ Names Flying Under the Radar

Want something starting with ‘E’ that your child won’t share with three classmates? These distinctive options have charm without overwhelming popularity:

1. Elowen – This gorgeous Cornish name meaning “elm tree” has nature connections and a magical sound.

2. Enzo – Italian charm condensed into four letters, Enzo feels both classic and cool.

3. Esme – Literary lovers recognize this from J.D. Salinger’s work, but it stands beautifully on its own with French elegance.

4. Elio – With the popularity of the film “Call Me By Your Name,” Elio has gained recognition while remaining uncommon.

5. Emerald – This gemstone name offers the adorable nickname Emmy while standing out from the crowd.

For parents seeking something truly distinctive:

1. Evander – Strong and mythological without being unapproachable.

2. Eulalia – An ancient name with a lilting quality and nickname potential in Lalia or Lia.

3. Ephraim – Biblical depth with a contemporary sound that’s rarely heard on playgrounds.

4. Eudora – A beautiful Greek name meaning “good gift” that deserves a modern revival.

5. Eirene – The Greek personification of peace, pronounced eye-REE-nee, offers unique beauty and meaning.

These names offer distinction without crossing into “too unusual” territory where your child might forever be spelling or explaining their name.

Vintage ‘E’ Names Making a Comeback

Everything old becomes new again, especially with baby names! These vintage charmers are finding new life with modern parents:

1. Eleanor – Once considered grandmotherly, Eleanor now ranks among the most stylish choices for baby girls.

2. Edwin – This distinguished Old English name meaning “rich friend” carries vintage dignity.

3. Elsie – Once a nickname for Elizabeth, Elsie now stands confidently on its own with retro charm.

4. Ernest – Importance being its literal meaning, Ernest carries weight and character.

5. Edith – With the cute nickname Edie, this once-fusty name now feels fresh and sophisticated.

Other vintage gems include:

1. Emmeline – Victorian elegance with modern appeal, especially for feminist parents who appreciate suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst.

2. Edmund – Literary connections and a distinguished history make this name due for revival.

3. Esther – Biblical strength meets vintage charm in this increasingly popular choice.

4. Eugene – This name meaning “well-born” has retro appeal that feels ready for comeback.

5. Enid – Short, sweet, and distinctive, this Welsh name means “soul” or “life.”

The 100-year rule often applies to baby names, with choices popular in our great-grandparents’ generation feeling fresh again while our parents’ names still seem dated. These vintage options hit that sweet spot of familiar but not overused.

International ‘E’ Names Gaining American Popularity

Our increasingly connected world means parents discover beautiful names from other cultures. These international ‘E’ names are finding homes in American nurseries:

1. Elodie – This French beauty meaning “foreign riches” sounds like a melody.

2. Enzo – Italian shorthand for names like Lorenzo or Vincenzo, Enzo packs European charm into four letters.

3. Esmeralda – Spanish for “emerald,” this name gained Disney recognition but maintains authentic cultural roots.

4. Einar – This Norse name meaning “warrior” brings Scandinavian strength.

5. Esperanza – Meaning “hope” in Spanish, this name carries beautiful significance and the cute nickname Espie.

More global treasures include:

1. Eira – This Welsh name meaning “snow” is pronounced AY-ra and has ethereal beauty.

2. Esteban – The Spanish form of Stephen feels fresh and distinctive in English-speaking countries.

3. Elke – This German name has a crisp, modern sound despite its traditional roots.

4. Eirlys – Another Welsh beauty meaning “snowdrop,” pronounced AYR-liss.

5. Eduard – The continental spelling gives the classic Edward a European flair.

As families become more multicultural and well-traveled, parents increasingly appreciate names that work across languages or honor diverse heritage.

Celebrity Influence on ‘E’ Names

Celebrity baby names often predict or influence naming trends. These star-powered ‘E’ names have gained traction after famous parents chose them:

1. Everly – Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan brought attention to this name for their daughter.

2. Exton – Robert Downey Jr.’s son’s name helped popularize ‘E’ names with an ‘x’ factor.

3. Esmeralda – Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes chose this for their daughter, boosting its appeal.

4. Ella – George and Amal Clooney selecting this for their daughter reinforced its classic status.

5. Eissa – Janet Jackson’s son’s name introduced many to this unique option.

Celebrities continue to influence with these choices:

1. Elula – Isla Fisher and Sacha Baron Cohen selected this unusual Hebrew name.

2. Elsie – Zooey Deschanel’s daughter’s name helped accelerate the vintage revival.

3. Ezer – Topher Grace chose this distinctive Hebrew name meaning “help” for his son.

4. Ethan – A longtime favorite further cemented by multiple celebrity choices over the years.

5. Ennis – Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons brought attention to this Irish place name.

Celebrity influence works in multiple ways – sometimes introducing truly unusual names and other times giving parents “permission” to use names they already loved but considered too unconventional.

Final Thoughts on Choosing an ‘E’ Name

Selecting a name represents one of the first gifts we give our children. When considering an ‘E’ name, think about these factors:

Flow with your last name matters tremendously. Everly Evans creates an echo effect, while Emma Echols might be too many ‘E’ sounds together.

Nickname potential deserves consideration. Will you love when Elizabeth becomes Lizzy or Emmett becomes Em?

Popularity concerns vary by family. Some parents avoid top 10 names like Emma or Elijah, while others appreciate their popularity for good reason.

Meaning carries different weight for different families. Names like Esther (“star”) or Ethan (“strong, firm”) offer built-in inspiration.

Whatever ‘E’ name you choose, remember that your child will make it uniquely theirs. My daughter Elizabeth has completely different energy than my friend’s daughter with the same name. Your little Ezra or Eden will bring their own personality to whichever name you select.

Trust your instincts, but maybe keep your most unusual options as middle names. Your child will thank you later when they are not constantly spelling Epiphany or Evanthos for confused baristas!

Which ‘E’ names catch your eye? Are you drawn to the classics like Elizabeth and Edward, or do unique options like Elowen or Enzo speak to you more? The perfect name often just “feels right” when you find it – that moment when you can suddenly picture yourself calling your little one in from the backyard or cheering at their graduation.