A 1920s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Ellamae since 1898
Babies named Ellamae per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2021, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Ellamae's real moment was 1922.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 12 |
| 1900s | 85 |
| 1910s | 305 |
| 1920s | 475 |
| 1930s | 238 |
| 1940s | 165 |
| 1950s | 58 |
| 1960s | 30 |
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 114 |
| 2010s | 433 |
| 2020s | 433 |
Meaning & origin
Ellamae is a compound name that blends two classic components, Ella and Mae, and has a vintage charm that appeals to modern parents. First recorded in 1898, the name reached its peak popularity in 1922, when it ranked significantly higher. After a long decline, Ellamae has been on a steady rise since 1996, reflecting a renewed interest in early 20th-century names. Its top states of usage are Pennsylvania and Texas, indicating a broad but not exclusively regional appeal. With a current rank of 2645 and a 1-in-24727 frequency, Ellamae remains a relatively uncommon choice, striking a balance between familiarity and distinctiveness.
Ellamae is a compound name formed from Ella and Mae. Ella can derive from the Germanic element 'ali' meaning 'other' or from the Hebrew name Elah, meaning 'light' or 'oak tree', while Mae is a variant of May, often associated with the month or derived from Margaret, meaning 'pearl'. The name gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially in the United States, as part of a trend for combining names. Ellamae saw its peak usage in the 1920s and has seen a modest revival since the late 1990s.
Where Ellamae is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ella, Ellie, Mae
Variants: Ella Mae, Ella-Mae, Ellamay
Sibling names for Ellamae
Names that share Ellamae's style, for a brother or sister.
