Elka

עלקע

• Gender: Female
• Origin: Yiddish

• Elka is a Yiddish diminutive of Ella, and it has the kind of Old World sweetness that instantly sets it apart from the sleeker modern names dominating today's lists. It carries a vintage charm that recalls a grandmother's handwriting on a cherished letter. There is a spunky retro energy to it — think Alma or Zelda — that feels both deeply rooted and genuinely rare.

  There is a cozy, storybook quality here that parents are gravitating toward right now, fitting seamlessly alongside favorites like Minka, Willa, and Thea. For families wanting to honor Yiddish heritage with something short, sweet, and genuinely uncommon, Elka is a gorgeous revival waiting to happen.

• Alternate Spellings: Elke, Elkah
• Potential Sibling Name:
  Basya
  ,
  Faiga
  ,
  Ber
  ,
  Faivel