Declining since 1991, #11,932 for girls today.
Popularity of Ellyn since 1898
Babies named Ellyn per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 6 |
| 1900s | 12 |
| 1910s | 88 |
| 1920s | 121 |
| 1930s | 181 |
| 1940s | 505 |
| 1950s | 744 |
| 1960s | 490 |
| 1970s | 248 |
| 1980s | 339 |
| 1990s | 581 |
| 2000s | 236 |
| 2010s | 229 |
| 2020s | 56 |
Meaning & origin
Ellyn is a modern respelling of Ellen or Helen, sharing their Greek-derived meaning of 'light' or 'bright.' First recorded in the U.S. in 1898, the name saw its highest use in 1991, when it ranked much higher than its current 11,932 position. Since then, usage has steadily declined, reflecting a broader shift away from similar-sounding names. With a 1-in-229,610 rarity in 2025, Ellyn remains an uncommon choice, never appearing in any state's top 1000. Its variant spelling offers a fresh take on a classic while maintaining a familiar sound.
Ellyn is a modern variant spelling of Ellen or Helen, ultimately derived from the Greek Helene, meaning 'torch' or 'moon.' The name emerged in English-speaking countries as a respelling in the late 19th century, likely influenced by the Welsh name Elin. It gained modest use in the United States, peaking in popularity in the early 1990s.
“Ellyn” around the world
Where Ellyn lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ellie, Lyn, El
Sibling names for Ellyn
Names that share Ellyn's style, for a brother or sister.
