What does Ellis mean and where does it come from?
The name Ellis is derived from the Hebrew name Elijah (אֵלִיָּהוּ), meaning 'My God is Yahweh'. Originally a male name, it has increasingly been adopted for females, particularly in English-speaking countries. Its popularity has seen a steady rise in recent years, and it is often seen as a fashionab
Cultural significance
Ellis has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in England-speaking communities, where it reflects values of god is my lord.
Peak popularity
Reached #623 in 2020 — currently #274 in the US.
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Related Reading
England-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Ellis?
Ellis works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Ellis Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Ellis Rose
Floral · soft ending
Ellis Mae
Sweet · timeless
Ellis Claire
French influence · crisp
Ellis Jane
Literary · strong
Ellis Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Ellis right now?
Rising — up 33 spots — currently #274 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #274 | 1,230 | ▲ up 33 · +12% births |
| 2022 | #307 | 1,094 | ▲ up 13 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #320 | 1,037 | ▲ up 303 · +124% births |
| 2020 | #623 | 463 | ▲ up 339 · +64% births |
| 2015 | #962 | 282 | ▲ up 528 · +87% births |
| 2010 | #1490 | 151 | ▲ up 669 · +78% births |
| 2005 | #2159 | 85 | ▲ up 1580 · +150% births |
| 2000 | #3739 | 34 | ▼ down 714 · -11% births |
| 1995 | #3025 | 38 | ▲ up 3457 · +192% births |
| 1990 | #6482 | 13 | ▲ up 1104 · +63% births |
| 1985 | #7586 | 8 | ▲ up 436 · +60% births |
| 1970 | #8022 | 5 | ▼ down 2713 · -29% births |
| 1965 | #5309 | 7 | ▼ down 1944 · -50% births |
| 1960 | #3365 | 14 | ▲ up 2486 · +180% births |
| 1955 | #5851 | 5 | — |
The story of Ellis
Ellis has been a beloved American name for over 141 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1883. A total of 49,546 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1629 in 1915 to #274 in 2023. Ellis is used for both genders: 10% female and 90% male.
Names that peaked alongside Ellis in 2020:
Ellis by decade
Ellis peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 748 | |
| 1890s | 921 | |
| 1900s | 1,144 | |
| 1910s | 4,565 | |
| 1920s | 6,301 | |
| 1930s | 4,608 | |
| 1940s | 4,742 | |
| 1950s | 4,076 | |
| 1960s | 2,659 | |
| 1970s | 1,695 | |
| 1980s | 1,585 | |
| 1990s | 2,082 | |
| 2000s | 3,109 | |
| 2010s ★ | 9,844 | |
| 2020s | 1,467 | |
What are good nicknames for Ellis?
What names sound and feel like Ellis?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ellis also consider these
Common questions about the name Ellis
What does the name Ellis mean?
Ellis means "God is my Lord" — a name rooted in England tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Ellis?
Ellis is currently ranked #274 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Ellis have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Ellis?
Ellis originates from England tradition. England names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Ellis?
Ellis is a two-syllable name pronounced EH1 L IH0 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Ellis trending right now?
Ellis is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.