"benevolent, kind"
Origin: Welsh from Hebrew Elijah
Language: Welsh
Ellis
Pronunciation: [ EHL-ihs ]
Boy Name
#273 Most Popular
Rising
2 Syllables
A gateway name — Welsh roots, American promise
Welsh
English
American
Modern
Literary
Gentle
Sophisticated
Gender Neutral
Meaning & Origin
"the Lord is my God"
Origin: Hebrew via Welsh
Language: Hebrew
The Story of Ellis
Ellis is a Welsh surname and given name derived from the Welsh form of Elisedd, itself from the Hebrew Elijah via the Latin Elisaeus. The name means benevolent or kind in Welsh tradition. Ellis has been used as a given name in Wales for centuries before spreading to England and America. In the US, Ellis Island — the gateway for over 12 million immigrants between 1892 and 1954 — gave the name powerful symbolic resonance as a place of new beginnings.
Ellis has risen significantly in the US since 2010 as part of the surname-as-given-name trend. It benefits from its gender-neutral appeal, literary sound, and connection to Ellis Island, which resonates with American families with immigrant histories. The name fits naturally alongside similar rising names like Emerson, Elliot, and Wren.
Ellis Island processed more immigrants than any other entry point in American history, making Ellis a name with profound symbolic weight for millions of American families whose ancestors passed through it. In Wales, the name has an ancient literary and religious heritage through figures like Elisedd ap Gwylog, a 9th-century Welsh king.
Fun Facts
- Over 12 million immigrants entered the United States through Ellis Island between 1892 and 1954
- Ellis Peters was the pen name of British crime writer Edith Pargeter, creator of the medieval monk-detective Brother Cadfael
- Ellis is one of the few names that works equally well for boys and girls without needing any spelling variation
Ellis in Other Languages
Welsh
Elisedd
French
Ellis
German
Ellis
Spanish
Ellis
Famous People Named Ellis
E
Ellis Paul
Musician
1965
American folk singer-songwriter known for his storytelling style and New England roots
E
Ellis Peters
Writer
1913
British crime writer known for the medieval mystery series featuring the monk Cadfael
E
Ellis Fictional
Other
Protagonist in the video game Left 4 Dead 2 (2009), an enthusiastic young mechanic from Georgia fighting zombie hordes
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #273
- Total SSA Count
- 1,250
- Cultural Origins
- Welsh English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
El
Pairs Well With
Ellis James
Ellis Thomas
Ellis Reid
Ellis Cole
Ellis Grant
Ellis Finn
Ellis Dean
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Ellis is also used as a girl name, ranked #697.
View Ellis as a girl name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ellis
What does the name Ellis mean?
"benevolent, kind" (from Welsh from Hebrew Elijah). "the Lord is my God" (from Hebrew via Welsh). Ellis is a Welsh surname and given name derived from the Welsh form of Elisedd, itself from the Hebrew Elijah via the Latin Elisaeus. The name means benevolent or kind in Welsh tradition. Ellis has been used as a given name in Wales for centuries before spreading to England and America. In the US, Ellis Island — the gateway for over 12 million immigrants between 1892 and 1954 — gave the name powerful symbolic resonance as a place of new beginnings.
What is the origin of the name Ellis?
Ellis has Welsh from Hebrew Elijah, Hebrew via Welsh, Welsh, English, and American origins. In Welsh from Hebrew Elijah, it means "benevolent, kind". In Hebrew via Welsh, it means "the Lord is my God".
Is Ellis a boy or girl name?
Ellis is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #273. As a girl name, it is ranked #697. Ellis is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Ellis?
Ellis is pronounced EHL-ihs.
How popular is the name Ellis?
Ellis is currently ranked #273 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Ellis?
Common nicknames for Ellis include El.
What are good middle names for Ellis?
Popular middle name pairings include Ellis James, Ellis Thomas, Ellis Reid, Ellis Cole, Ellis Grant, Ellis Finn, and Ellis Dean.
What are good sibling names for Ellis?
Names that pair well with Ellis as siblings include Wren, Nora, Iris, Cora, Theo, Miles, and Bea.
How many syllables does Ellis have?
Ellis has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Ellis a common or rare name?
Ellis is a popular name, ranked #273 for boys. It is well-known without being overused.
About the Name Ellis
Ellis is a boy name with Welsh, English, and American origins . The name means "benevolent, kind" in Welsh from Hebrew Elijah .
Is Ellis a boy or girl name? Ellis is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #273 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #697. Ellis is more commonly used as a boy name.
Ellis is currently ranked #273 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Ellis has 2 syllables and is pronounced EHL-ihs, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Ellis include El. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Ellis include Elliot, Elliott, Ellison, Ellias . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.