Ellison

“Son of Ellis, derived from Elijah or Elias, meaning 'Yahweh is God'.”

American origin · originated in the United States

♂ 36% boys♀ 64% girls

#1081US 2023

229Births / yr

↓Falling

7kAll-time births

📅 Since 191400.02% of births at peak

How to pronounce Ellison

EL·is·un

/ˈɛl.ɪs.ən/ · stress on EL · 3 syllables

“Son of Ellis, derived from Elijah or Elias, meaning 'Yahweh is God'.”

American origin · Unisex name

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.

🌿

How else can you spell Ellison?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Elison

Spelling variant

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

How popular is Ellison right now?

Declining — down 18 spots — currently #1081 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1970–2023#1081 · Top 0.80%

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Ellison

Best Year2021Rank #838

Peak Count329

Average Rank#4165

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1970 - 202314 years

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:

Olivia Emma Ava Sophia Isabella

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?

Common

EllIson

What names sound and feel like Ellison?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ellison also consider these

Elleson

American · son of Ella,

Ellyson

American · variant of Allison,

American · Son of Edward

Eliason

American · Son of Elijah

Jellison

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Allison

Scotland · English

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.