Holding steady.
Popularity of Ellin since 1918
Babies named Ellin per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1948, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Ellin's real moment was 1928.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 13 |
| 1920s | 95 |
| 1930s | 117 |
| 1940s | 175 |
| 1950s | 100 |
| 1960s | 34 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 11 |
| 2010s | 24 |
| 2020s | 5 |
Meaning & origin
Ellin is a rare feminine name that saw its peak usage in 1928, according to U.S. Social Security data. Though it never achieved high rank, its occurrence was highest during the 1920s. The name has remained stable in extremely low usage ever since, with fewer than five annual registrations in most recent years. Its origin is debated; it may be an English variant of Ellen or Helen, or an anglicized form of the Irish name Eibhlín. Regardless, Ellin has never appeared among the top baby names nationally, belonging instead to a category of early 20th-century names that have since faded from common use. Its spelling is straightforward, and it offers nickname potential in Ellie or Ella.
Ellin is likely an English variant or diminutive of Ellen, itself a form of Helen, from the Greek Helene, meaning 'torch' or 'light'. It may also be an anglicized spelling of the Irish name Eibhlín, a cognate of Helen. The name saw modest use in the early 20th century, particularly in the 1920s when it peaked in popularity. Modern usage is rare, reflecting a broader decline of similar vintage names.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ellie, Ella, Lin, Linnie
Sibling names for Ellin
Names that share Ellin's style, for a brother or sister.
