Elke is a feminine given name. Different sources give different accounts of its origin. One source describes it as a Low German and East Frisian diminutive of Adelheid, meaning "of noble birth". Another states that it originated as a Yiddish feminine variant of Elkan, which itself came from the Biblical name Elkanah. In English-speaking countries, the variant Elkie was popularised by the singer Elkie Brooks. Other variants of the name include Elka and Alke.