Ellis
Ellis: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈɛ.lɪs/ · /ˈɛ.ləs/
Meaning and origin of Ellis
Root meaning: “benevolent, kind”
- A surname from Welsh [in turn originating as a patronymic] and A male given name from Welsh, an anglicization of Elisedd.
- A unisex given name transferred from the surname.
Etymology
As an English surname, from the Middle English personal name Elis, an Old French form of Elias. Compare Elijah, Lias, Ely. Also sometimes from the Elice, a pet form of Elizabeth. * As a Welsh surname, shortened from the personal name Elisse, Elisedd, from the archaic elus (“benevolent, kind”).
How popular is Ellis?
Since 1880, 7,328 girls and 50,403 boys in the U.S. have been named Ellis (13% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #597 in 2021. Its highest rank for boys was #155 in 1899. In 2025 it ranked #243 for boys, with 1,832 babies given the name.
Names similar to Ellis
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Welsh unisex names
Sibling name ideas for Ellis
Sister and brother names that share Ellis's Welsh roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Ellis FAQ
What does the name Ellis mean?
Ellis traces back to a root meaning "benevolent, kind". A surname from Welsh [in turn originating as a patronymic] and A male given name from Welsh, an anglicization of Elisedd. A unisex given name transferred from the surname. As an English surname, from the Middle English personal name Elis, an Old French form of Elias. Compare Elijah, Lias, Ely. Also sometimes from the Elice, a pet form of Elizabeth. * As a Welsh surname, shortened from the personal name Elisse, Elisedd, from the archaic elus (“benevolent, kind”).
What is the origin of the name Ellis?
Ellis is listed as a name of Welsh origin.
How popular is the name Ellis?
Since 1880, 7,328 girls and 50,403 boys in the U.S. have been named Ellis (13% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #597 in 2021. Its highest rank for boys was #155 in 1899. In 2025 it ranked #243 for boys, with 1,832 babies given the name.
Is Ellis a boy or girl name?
Ellis is used for both boys and girls in the U.S. (7,328 girls and 50,403 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.