The uncommon name Eldra, after popping up a few times in the U.S. baby name data as a girl name during the first half of the 20th century, returned as a boy name for a four-year run in the middle of the 1980s:
- 1988: unlisted
- 1987: 7 baby boys named Eldra
- 1986: 6 baby boys named Eldra
- 1985: 17 baby boys named Eldra
- 1984: 17 baby boys named Eldra [debut]
- 1983: unlisted
- 1982: unlisted
Not only that, but Eldra was the highest boy-name debut of 1984.
What was the influence here?
Eldra Patrick DeBarge — often known as “El DeBarge” — lead singer of the ’80s group DeBarge (which consisted of siblings from the DeBarge family of Michigan).
The group’s songs started appearing on Billboard‘s Hot 100 chart in mid-1983. Their most successful single was the upbeat “Rhythm of the Night” (vid), which peaked at #3 on the Hot 100 in April of 1985.
El DeBarge left the group in 1986 to pursue a solo career. His own most successful single, “Who’s Johnny” (featured in the movie Short Circuit), also peaked at #3 on the Hot 100 (in July of 1986).
What are your thoughts on the baby name Eldra? Do you like it better as a male name or as a female name?
Sources: El DeBarge – Wikipedia, DeBarge – Billboard, SSA
Bottom image: Screenshot of the music video for “Rhythm of the Night”
