← All names

Elspeth

Girl name · 407 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Elspeth: 407 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 18 births in 1974.

Elspeth is a classic Scottish form of Elizabeth, ultimately from the Hebrew Elisheva, meaning “God is my oath.” This graceful name has long been cherished in Scotland, appearing in historical records as early as the 16th century. Notable bearers include Elspeth Huxley, the celebrated Scottish-born writer and journalist, and Elspeth Reoch, a 17th-century Scottish woman whose tragic witchcraft trial is well documented. While no major places bear the name directly, Elspeth shares its roots with countless towns and cities worldwide named Elizabeth. A charming variant is Elspie, a diminutive still heard in rural Scotland, and the name enjoys a quiet literary association with Sir Walter Scott’s character Elspeth of the Glens in *The Antiquary*. It remains a lovely, enduring choice that honours Scottish heritage without feeling old-fashioned.