Declining since 1991, #1,062 for girls today.
Popularity of Ellen since 1880
Babies named Ellen per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1951, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Ellen's real moment was 1884.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 5,402 |
| 1890s | 7,435 |
| 1900s | 8,339 |
| 1910s | 21,500 |
| 1920s | 28,391 |
| 1930s | 25,139 |
| 1940s | 45,404 |
| 1950s | 55,392 |
| 1960s | 34,146 |
| 1970s | 11,422 |
| 1980s | 10,241 |
| 1990s | 11,346 |
| 2000s | 5,545 |
| 2010s | 3,987 |
| 2020s | 1,595 |
Meaning & origin
In 2025, Ellen was given to approximately one in every 6,988 baby girls, placing it at rank 1062 in the United States. Its popularity has been declining since 1991, continuing a long trajectory from its peak in 1884, when it was much more common. The name's highest historical usage was in the decade of the 1880s, reflecting the Victorian era's fondness for simple, classic names. Kansas, Indiana, and Washington are among the states where Ellen has been most favored in recent years. The name's enduring presence, despite its current lower ranking, speaks to its quiet charm and deep roots in the English naming tradition.
Ellen is a medieval English form of Helen, ultimately derived from the Greek name Helene, which is often interpreted as 'torch' or 'corposant', from the Greek 'helios' (sun). The name was common in England during the Middle Ages and has since been used steadily in the English-speaking world. Its popularity has fluctuated over time, with notable peaks in the late 19th century and again in the mid-20th century.
Where Ellen is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Ellen” around the world
Where Ellen lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Ireland
28
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ellie, Nell, Ella
Sibling names for Ellen
Names that share Ellen's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Ellen
Names whose popularity has moved with Ellen's over the last 50 years.
