Ellen
Ellen: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈɛl.ən/ · /ˈɛl.ɪn/
Meaning and origin of Ellen
- A female given name from Ancient Greek.
Etymology
Medieval English variant of Helen, from Ancient Greek Ἑλένη (Helénē); also used as a variant of Eleanor or a feminine counterpart to Elliot.
How popular is Ellen?
Since 1880, 275,284 girls and 745 boys in the U.S. have been named Ellen (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #58 in 1946. Its highest rank for boys was #785 in 1885. In 2025, 230 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Names similar to Ellen
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Greek girl names
Sibling name ideas for Ellen
Sister and brother names that share Ellen's Greek roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Ellen FAQ
What does the name Ellen mean?
A female given name from Ancient Greek. Medieval English variant of Helen, from Ancient Greek Ἑλένη (Helénē); also used as a variant of Eleanor or a feminine counterpart to Elliot.
What is the origin of the name Ellen?
Ellen is listed as a name of Greek origin.
How popular is the name Ellen?
Since 1880, 275,284 girls and 745 boys in the U.S. have been named Ellen (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #58 in 1946. Its highest rank for boys was #785 in 1885. In 2025, 230 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Ellen a boy or girl name?
Ellen is mostly a girl name in the U.S.: 275,284 girls and 745 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.