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.
🌿
Related Reading
Greek-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Tellis Rose
Floral · soft ending
Tellis Mae
Sweet · timeless
Tellis Claire
French influence · crisp
Tellis Jane
Literary · strong
Tellis Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Tellis right now?
Holding steady — currently #959 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
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?
Famous people named Tellis
T(
Tellis (Byzantine leader)
Tellis used this name through the Byzantine Empire, preserving its Greek heritage into the medieval era.
T(
Tellis (ancient philosopher)
Tellis bore this name in classical Greece, where it was associated with wisdom and learning.
T(
Tellis (Greek mythological figure)
Tellis carried this name in Greek mythology, connecting it to divine or heroic tradition.
T(
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 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Tellis?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tellis also consider these
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.