What does Ellison mean and where does it come from?
Originally a masculine name, Ellison has transitioned into use as a feminine name. The name is thought to have originated in the United States, gaining popularity in the 20th century as a gender-neutral option. The name evokes a modern feel and feels elegant, and has seen usage in popular culture, i
Cultural significance
Ellison has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of son of ellis, derived from elijah or elias, meaning 'yahweh is god'..
Peak popularity
Reached #838 in 2019 — currently #1081 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Ellison?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Ellison?
Ellison works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Ellison Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Ellison Rose
Floral · soft ending
Ellison Mae
Sweet · timeless
Ellison Claire
French influence · crisp
Ellison Jane
Literary · strong
Ellison Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Ellison right now?
Declining — down 18 spots — currently #1081 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1081 | 229 | ▼ down 18 · -4% births |
| 2022 | #1063 | 239 | ▼ down 225 · -27% births |
| 2021 | #838 | 329 | ▲ up 64 · +15% births |
| 2020 | #902 | 287 | ▲ up 43 |
| 2015 | #945 | 287 | ▲ up 285 · +46% births |
| 2010 | #1230 | 196 | ▲ up 461 · +68% births |
| 2005 | #1691 | 117 | ▲ up 1018 · +117% births |
| 2000 | #2709 | 54 | ▲ up 2150 · +170% births |
| 1995 | #4859 | 20 | ▲ up 5371 · +186% births |
| 1990 | #10230 | 7 | ▲ up 496 · +40% births |
| 1985 | #10726 | 5 | ▼ down 3276 · -37% births |
| 1980 | #7450 | 8 | ▼ down 929 |
| 1975 | #6521 | 8 | ▲ up 1538 · +60% births |
| 1970 | #8059 | 5 | — |
The story of Ellison
Ellison entered American naming records in 1914 and has been in use for over 110 years. With 6,954 total births recorded, Ellison remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #8059 in 1970 to #1081 in 2023. Ellison is used for both genders: 64% female and 36% male.
Names that peaked alongside Ellison in 2019:
Ellison by decade
Ellison peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 19 | |
| 1900s | 39 | |
| 1910s | 172 | |
| 1920s | 216 | |
| 1930s | 160 | |
| 1940s | 187 | |
| 1950s | 154 | |
| 1960s | 144 | |
| 1970s | 155 | |
| 1980s | 219 | |
| 1990s | 375 | |
| 2000s | 1,337 | |
| 2010s ★ | 3,405 | |
| 2020s | 372 | |
💎With 6,954 total births, Ellison is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Ellison?
What names sound and feel like Ellison?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ellison also consider these
Common questions about the name Ellison
What does the name Ellison mean?
Ellison means "Son of Ellis, derived from Elijah or Elias, meaning 'Yahweh is God'." — a name rooted in American 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 Ellison?
Ellison is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Ellison?
Ellison originates from American tradition. American 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 Ellison?
Ellison is a three-syllable name pronounced EH1 L IH0 S AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Ellison?
Ellison pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.