Elise

Elise is a feminine given name, often a diminutive of Elisabeth or Elizabeth in several languages, but it is also used as a standalone name. The name derives from the Hebrew Elisheba (Elisheva), meaning “God is my oath” or “my God is abundance.” In different languages it appears in forms such as Élise (French), Elisabeth/Elisabetha in some variants, and Elise in English, Dutch, and German contexts.

Elise has been used across Europe and North America and remains a common choice for girls in many countries. Spelling varies by language, with Élise common in French contexts and Elise or Elisabeth forms common in German- and Dutch-speaking regions. The name has also become established in various English-speaking communities as an independent given name.

In culture, the name is associated with Ludwig van Beethoven’s popular piano piece Für Elise, a bagatelle in A minor. The work was published posthumously in 1867 by Ludwig Nohl, who edited the manuscript. The identity of Elise remains uncertain; the dedicatee is the subject of speculation, with Therese Malfatti among proposed candidates, though there is no definitive historical confirmation.

Notable bearers include Elise Stefanik, an American politician, and Elise Christie, a British speed skater. The name continues to be used internationally and across generations, reflecting its classical roots and broad cultural resonance.