Tellis

“To complete or finish”

Greek origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#959US 2023

1.2kBirths / yr

→Stable

290All-time births

📅 Since 191900

How to pronounce Tellis

TEL·is

/ˈtɛl.ɪs/ · stress on TEL · 2 syllables

“To complete or finish”

Greek origin · Boy name

What does Tellis mean and where does it come from?

Tellis is derived from the Greek word 'telos', meaning 'completion' or 'end'. It is not commonly found as a given name and may appear most frequently in specific communities or as a surname. The name is relatively rare in modern usage but conveys a sense of finality and purpose in its meaning. It ma

Cultural significance

Tellis has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, where it reflects values of to complete or finish.

Peak popularity

Reached #1917 in 1975 — currently #959 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Tellis?

Tellis works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Tellis Grace

How popular is Tellis right now?

Holding steady — currently #959 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1925–2023#959 · Top 0.71%

1925

1950

1975

1980

1995

2010

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#959	1,241	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#964	1,221	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#969	1,191	▲ up 11455 · +23720% births
2010	#12424	5	▼ down 6828 · -50% births
1995	#5596	10	▼ down 492 · +43% births
1980	#5104	7	▼ down 3187 · -72% births
1975	#1917	25	▲ up 2082 · +400% births
1950	#3999	5	▼ down 608 · -37% births
1925	#3391	8	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Tellis

Best Year2023Rank #959

Peak Count1,241

Average Rank#3925

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1925 - 20239 years

The story of Tellis

Tellis entered American naming records in 1919 and has been in use for over 105 years. With 290 total births recorded, Tellis remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3391 in 1925 to #959 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Tellis in 1975:

Michael Jason Christopher James David

Tellis by decade

Tellis peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	5
1920s	27
1930s	10
1940s	24
1950s	5
1960s	12
1970s ★	119
1980s	29
1990s	25
2000s	24
2010s	10

💎Tellis has only 290 total recorded births since 1919 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Tellis?

Common

TelTeEllis

Famous people named Tellis

Tellis (Byzantine leader)

Tellis used this name through the Byzantine Empire, preserving its Greek heritage into the medieval era.

Tellis (ancient philosopher)

Tellis bore this name in classical Greece, where it was associated with wisdom and learning.

Tellis (Greek mythological figure)

Tellis carried this name in Greek mythology, connecting it to divine or heroic tradition.

Tellis (Byzantine leader)

Tellis used this name through the Byzantine Empire, preserving its Greek heritage into the medieval era.

👑

Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

Explore →

What names sound and feel like Tellis?

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

Telvis

American · Brave warrior

Trellis

American · Support structure for

Ellis

England · God is my

Kellis

American · from the narrow

Bellis

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Dellis

English · English

Tellas

USA · Possibly derived from

Tellys

American · one who is

Common questions about the name Tellis

What does the name Tellis mean?

Tellis means "To complete or finish" — a name rooted in Greek 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 Tellis?

Tellis is currently ranked #959 as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Tellis?

Tellis originates from Greek tradition. Greek 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 Tellis?

Tellis is a two-syllable name pronounced T 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 Tellis a common or rare name?

Tellis is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.