Declining since 2019, #2,859 for girls today.
Popularity of Ellington since 1921
Babies named Ellington per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1920s | 0 | 10 |
| 1930s | 0 | 5 |
| 1940s | 0 | 10 |
| 1950s | 0 | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 | 10 |
| 1970s | 0 | 13 |
| 1980s | 0 | 13 |
| 1990s | 0 | 64 |
| 2000s | 89 | 110 |
| 2010s | 555 | 284 |
| 2020s | 360 | 181 |
Meaning & origin
Ellington is a surname-style name that has been in use as a given name since the early 2000s, with its first recorded appearance in 2001. It reached its peak popularity in 2018 and has been on a downward trend since 2019, ranking 2859th in 2025 with a frequency of 1 in 27,242 births. The name is most common in South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia, reflecting a Southern affinity for surname names. While still rare, Ellington has maintained a steady presence among parents seeking a musical or aristocratic feel, likely inspired by the iconic Duke Ellington.
Ellington originated as a locational surname from any of several places in England called Ellington, derived from Old English 'Ella's tun' (settlement). As a given name, it emerged in the late 20th century, likely influenced by the surname of jazz legend Duke Ellington. It remains rare but has seen modest use since the 2000s.
Where Ellington is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ell, Elli, Ton
Sibling names for Ellington
Names that share Ellington's style, for a brother or sister.
