A 1890s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Ellis since 1880
Babies named Ellis per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2025, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Ellis's real moment was 1899.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 20 | 728 |
| 1890s | 35 | 886 |
| 1900s | 44 | 1,100 |
| 1910s | 132 | 4,433 |
| 1920s | 177 | 6,125 |
| 1930s | 129 | 4,482 |
| 1940s | 124 | 4,617 |
| 1950s | 106 | 3,970 |
| 1960s | 62 | 2,596 |
| 1970s | 29 | 1,664 |
| 1980s | 72 | 1,514 |
| 1990s | 287 | 1,796 |
| 2000s | 755 | 2,355 |
| 2010s | 2,767 | 7,098 |
| 2020s | 2,589 | 7,039 |
Meaning & origin
Ellis is a unisex name with deep Welsh roots, originally a patronymic surname meaning 'son of Ellis' and ultimately deriving from Elijah. Its use as a given name dates back to at least 1880 in the United States, with its peak popularity in 1899. After a long decline, the name has been steadily rising again since 1985, reflecting a broader trend toward surname-style and retro names. Ellis is notably favored in states like Maine, District of Columbia, and North Dakota. The name's connection to the biblical Elijah gives it a dignified meaning, while its soft, versatile sound appeals to modern parents seeking a name that works for any gender.
Ellis is an English surname derived from the Welsh personal name Elis, a form of Elijah, meaning 'Jehovah is God' or 'the Lord is my God.' It originated as a patronymic surname and later transitioned to a given name, gaining popularity in Wales and England. By the late 19th century, it had become established as a first name in the United States.
Where Ellis is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Ellis” around the world
Where Ellis lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Ireland
16
babies in 2025
Quebec
6
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: El, Eli, Ell
Sibling names for Ellis
Names that share Ellis's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Avery, Harper, Quinn, Rowan, Sage, Ainsley, Cambria, Donella, Emory, Evyn, Landry, Marlowe, Merritt, Palmer, Raleigh, Ashby, Atlee, Berkeley, Emmerson, Larkin, Lexis, Lynden, Morgen, Ridley, Ripley, Ainslie, Annsley, Averey, Caris, Ellar, Ellory, Emri, Emsley, Everlean, Evlyn, Evony, Halsey, Selby, Aerielle, Dalis, Elky, Ellary, Eloyce, Everline, Greenley, Isel, Roslin, Tannis, Ivry, Allix, Anzley, Audris, Dallys, Elleri, Evella, Holliday, Maitland, Massey, Meritt, Nevelyn, Phinley, Sayward, Velisa
Brothers: Emmett, Finn, Griffin, Liam, Owen, Hollis, Sawyer, Aleck, Briggs, Case, Chadwick, Crosby, Hayes, Huxley, Langston, Lemar, Manning, Merrick, Reece, Stanford, Tillman, Valen, Watson, Winford, Arley, Brewer, Carlis, Chancey, Collis, Colston, Conway, Crawford, Estill, Eston, Ewell, Henderson, Larson, Lawton, Lennox, Morrison, Parrish, Patton, Pierson, Price, Quincey, Radley, Robinson, Rustin, Sanders, Stafford, Stevens, Townes, Ahren, Asbury, Astor, Avett, Becket, Cutler, Deklin, Derris, Drayson, Eastin, Edwards, Henson, Hillis, Hughes, Hutton, Lyon, Markham, Ollis, Owens, Parish, Parry, Peterson, Reeves, Rigby, Rollins, Ruffin, Stiles, Traven, Whitman, Wrigley, Wynton, Ashford, Becker, Brewster, Covey, Crosley, Edis, Emric, Evens, Hodges, Inman, Kindred, Leyland, Mandell, Osten, Quitman, Rawlins, Rennick, Riggins, Rolin, Stokes, Tilden, Wilkes, Stokely, Bingham, Bonham, Eaton, Elsworth, Elward, Etheridge, Gilliam, Hooper, Maddock, Marsalis, Merdith, Merric, Moxley, Rhyse, Swanson, Tellis, Voris
Names like Ellis
Names whose popularity has moved with Ellis's over the last 50 years.
