Rising since 1996, #6,838 for girls today.
Popularity of Elis since 1911
Babies named Elis per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 0 | 26 |
| 1920s | 0 | 16 |
| 1930s | 0 | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 | 0 |
| 1970s | 12 | 11 |
| 1980s | 12 | 20 |
| 1990s | 12 | 17 |
| 2000s | 74 | 16 |
| 2010s | 107 | 95 |
| 2020s | 103 | 85 |
Meaning & origin
Elis is a modern unisex name in the United States, first recorded in 1976. It has been rising in popularity since 1996, reaching a current rank of 6,838 as of 2025. Its peak year was in 2023, when it was given to approximately 1 in every 100,000 babies. The name's etymology is uncertain; it may be a short form of Elizabeth or a variant of Elias or Elijah. Despite its ambiguous origins, Elis has gained traction as a simple, two-syllable name with a soft sound, fitting contemporary naming trends. Its unisex usage and lack of strong historical associations make it a flexible choice for modern parents. The name has no recorded top states of usage, suggesting it is spread thinly across the country.
Elis may be a modern coinage as a short form of Elizabeth, or a variant of Elias or Elijah. It has also been used as a given name in its own right, particularly in the 21st century, drawing on the fashionable -is ending. The name's use in the United States is modern, first recorded in 1976, with a steady rise in popularity since the late 1990s.
“Elis” around the world
Where Elis lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Sibling names for Elis
Names that share Elis's style, for a brother or sister.
