"bright, shining light"
Origin: Greek
Language: English
Elli
Girl Name
#2,975 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
2 Syllables
Sunny and bright, a name full of gentle joy
English
Greek
Scandinavian
Playful
Gentle
Modern
Meaning & Origin
"old age (Norse mythology personification)"
Origin: Old Norse
Language: Norwegian
The Story of Elli
Elli is a Scandinavian and Greek short form of names like Eleanor, Elizabeth, or Ellen, all ultimately deriving from the Greek Helene meaning bright, shining light or torch. In Norse mythology, Elli is the personification of Old Age who defeats Thor in a wrestling match — a subtle reminder that time conquers all. As a given name, Elli is a cheerful, nimble form full of warmth.
Elli and its variant Ellie have surged in popularity through the 2010s-2020s across English-speaking and Scandinavian countries. The double-i spelling gives it a distinctive, modern look.
In Finland, Elli is a traditional name with deep roots. In Norse mythology the figure of Elli represents the invincible force of time. In English-speaking cultures, it is cherished as a sweet, light-hearted name.
Fun Facts
- In Norse mythology, Elli (Old Age) is the only being to defeat Thor in a wrestling match
- Elli is a top-20 name in Finland, where it has been used for generations
Elli in Other Languages
Greek
Elli
German
Elli
Finnish
Elli
Swedish
Elli
Famous People Named Elli
E
Elli Avram
Actor
1990
Swedish-Greek actress and model working in Bollywood
E
Elli Medeiros
Musician
1962
Uruguayan-born French singer and actress
E
Elli (Norse Mythology) Fictional
Other
Personification of Old Age in Norse mythology who defeated Thor in a wrestling contest
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,975
- Total SSA Count
- 55
- Cultural Origins
- English Greek Scandinavian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Pairs Well With
Elli Rose
Elli Mae
Elli Grace
Elli Jane
Elli Kate
Elli Claire
Elli Ann
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Elli is also used as a boy name, ranked #21883.
View Elli as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Elli
What does the name Elli mean?
"bright, shining light" (from Greek). "old age (Norse mythology personification)" (from Old Norse). Elli is a Scandinavian and Greek short form of names like Eleanor, Elizabeth, or Ellen, all ultimately deriving from the Greek Helene meaning bright, shining light or torch. In Norse mythology, Elli is the personification of Old Age who defeats Thor in a wrestling match — a subtle reminder that time conquers all. As a given name, Elli is a cheerful, nimble form full of warmth.
What is the origin of the name Elli?
Elli has Greek, Old Norse, English, and Scandinavian origins. In Greek, it means "bright, shining light". In Old Norse, it means "old age (Norse mythology personification)".
Is Elli a boy or girl name?
Elli is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #2975. As a boy name, it is ranked #21883. Elli is more commonly used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Elli?
Elli is currently ranked #2975 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Elli?
Popular middle name pairings include Elli Rose, Elli Mae, Elli Grace, Elli Jane, Elli Kate, Elli Claire, and Elli Ann.
What are good sibling names for Elli?
Names that pair well with Elli as siblings include Mila, Luna, Finn, Leo, Isla, and Luca.
How many syllables does Elli have?
Elli has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Elli a common or rare name?
Elli is an uncommon name, ranked #2975 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Elli
Elli is a girl name with English, Greek, and Scandinavian origins . The name means "bright, shining light" in Greek .
Is Elli a boy or girl name? Elli is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,975 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #21,883. Elli is more commonly used as a girl name.
Elli is currently ranked #2,975 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Elli has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Elli include Ellie, Ella, Elliana, Elle, Elliott . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.