Declining since 2020, #1,065 for girls today.
Popularity of Ellison since 1881
Babies named Ellison per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 0 | 19 |
| 1890s | 0 | 0 |
| 1900s | 0 | 39 |
| 1910s | 6 | 166 |
| 1920s | 0 | 216 |
| 1930s | 0 | 160 |
| 1940s | 0 | 187 |
| 1950s | 5 | 149 |
| 1960s | 12 | 132 |
| 1970s | 53 | 102 |
| 1980s | 71 | 148 |
| 1990s | 210 | 165 |
| 2000s | 1,102 | 235 |
| 2010s | 2,687 | 725 |
| 2020s | 1,549 | 520 |
Meaning & origin
Ellison is a unisex name that exemplifies the modern trend of adopting surnames as first names. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1914 and has seen a rise in use over the past decade, peaking in 2021. As of the latest data (2025), it ranks 1065th in popularity, with about 1 in 7,049 babies receiving the name. The name is especially popular in southern states such as South Carolina, Alabama, and Tennessee. Its trajectory has been falling slowly since 2020, suggesting it may be a transient style choice rather than a long-established classic. Despite its surname origins, Ellison carries a friendly, approachable sound, making it a versatile option for any child.
Ellison is an English patronymic surname meaning 'son of Ellis' or 'son of Elias', both medieval forms of the biblical name Elijah. It transitioned to a given name in the late 20th century, especially in the United States, where it emerged as a masculine or unisex option. The name reflects the common pattern of turning surnames into first names, often honoring family lines.
Where Ellison 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Eli, Ellie, Sonny
Variants: Ellis, Elyson
Sibling names for Ellison
Names that share Ellison's style, for a brother or sister.
