Ellen
Ellen is a girl's name of Greek origin.
Meaning
Shining light or torch.
Origin and history
Ellen is an English form of the Greek name Helen, historically meaning 'torch' or 'corposant' and often associated with shining light. It was widely used in medieval England and remained a classic choice in the United States throughout the twentieth century. Though its popularity has softened in recent years, it remains a well-known traditional name.
Popularity in the United States
275,284 babies in the United States have been named Ellen since 1880. It ranks #143 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #924.
States where it is most popular
- NY (14.4 %)
- PA (7 %)
- IL (5.5 %)
- MA (5.3 %)
- CA (5.2 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 5,402 |
| 1890-1900 | 7,435 |
| 1900-1910 | 8,339 |
| 1910-1920 | 21,500 |
| 1920-1930 | 28,391 |
| 1930-1940 | 25,139 |
| 1940-1950 | 45,404 |
| 1950-1960 | 55,392 |
| 1960-1970 | 34,146 |
| 1970-1980 | 11,422 |
| 1980-1990 | 10,241 |
| 1990-2000 | 11,346 |
| 2000-2010 | 5,545 |
| 2010-2019 | 3,987 |
| 2020-2029 | 1,595 |
Famous people named Ellen
- Ellen DeGeneres: Comedian, Television Host
- Ellen Burstyn: Actress
- Ellen Pompeo: Actress, Producer
Nicknames
Ellie, El, Nell, Nellie
Fun facts
- Ellen developed in England during the Middle Ages as the vernacular English form of Helen.
- The name appears frequently in classic English literature and traditional folklore, such as Ellen O'Hara in Gone with the Wind.