"sun, moon"
Origin: Greek
Language: English
Ellen
Pronunciation: [ EHL-uhn ]
Does Ellen flow with your last name?
A luminous classic from ancient Greek mythology
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The Story of Ellen
Ellen is an English variant of Helen, derived from the Greek Helene, which may relate to helios meaning sun or sele meaning moon, conveying the concept of bright shining light. While Ellen is predominantly feminine, it has occasionally been used for boys in English-speaking countries, particularly in the early 20th century American South and in Scandinavian contexts where similar names are masculine.
Ellen as a boys name is extremely rare. As a girls name it was common throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. The rare masculine use typically occurs as a family surname used as a first name, or through Scandinavian naming traditions where similar forms can be masculine.
The name connects to the legendary beauty Helen of Troy in Greek mythology, whose face launched a thousand ships. Ellen was also a common name among Gaelic and Welsh populations where it replaced the native forms of Helen. Ellen DeGeneres made the name prominent in modern American culture.
Historical Record
Ellen first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 281 babies have been named Ellen in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Ellen is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #19,801 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Ellen was the most popular name for baby girls in Sweden for most of the 1990s and 2000s
- Helen of Troy is one of the most famous figures in Greek mythology, considered the most beautiful woman in the world
Ellen in Other Languages
Greek
Helene
French
Helene
Spanish
Elena
Swedish
Ellen
Norwegian
Ellen
Popularity Over Time
#19,801
Current Rank
Rare
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #19,801
- Total SSA Count
- 6
- Cultural Origins
- English American Scandinavian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
El
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Ellen
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Ellen is also used as a girl name, ranked #1032.
View Ellen as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ellen
What does the name Ellen mean?
"sun, moon" (from Greek). Ellen is an English variant of Helen, derived from the Greek Helene, which may relate to helios meaning sun or sele meaning moon, conveying the concept of bright shining light. While Ellen is predominantly feminine, it has occasionally been used for boys in English-speaking countries, particularly in the early 20th century American South and in Scandinavian contexts where similar names are masculine.
What is the origin of the name Ellen?
Ellen has Greek, English, American, and Scandinavian origins. In Greek, it means "sun, moon".
Is Ellen a boy or girl name?
Ellen is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #19801. As a girl name, it is ranked #1032. Ellen is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Ellen?
Ellen is pronounced EHL-uhn.
How popular is the name Ellen?
Ellen is currently ranked #19801 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Ellen?
Popular middle name pairings include Ellen James, Ellen Scott, Ellen Lee, Ellen Ray, and Ellen Cole.
What are good sibling names for Ellen?
Names that pair well with Ellen as siblings include Helen, Eleanor, Alan, Glenn, and Gene.
How many syllables does Ellen have?
Ellen has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Ellen a common or rare name?
Ellen is an uncommon name, ranked #19801 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Ellen
Ellen is a boy name with English, American, and Scandinavian origins . The name means "sun, moon" in Greek .
Is Ellen a boy or girl name? Ellen is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #19,801 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #1,032. Ellen is more commonly used as a girl name.
Ellen is currently ranked #19,801 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Ellen has 2 syllables and is pronounced EHL-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Ellen include El. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis