"my God is Yahweh"
Origin: Hebrew via Welsh
Language: English
Ellis
Pronunciation: [ EHL-ihs ]
Does Ellis flow with your last name?
A Welsh classic carrying immigrant dreams to America
Welsh
English
American
Vintage
Literary
Sophisticated
Elegant
Classic
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Ellis
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"benevolent, kind"
Origin: Welsh
Language: Welsh
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The Story of Ellis
Ellis is the Welsh and English form of Elias, which derives from the Hebrew name Elijah, meaning 'my God is Yahweh.' It was a common surname in Wales and England throughout the Middle Ages. Ellis Island — the famous immigration gateway to the United States — gave the name historical significance for millions of American families whose ancestors passed through it between 1892 and 1954. Ellis has recently emerged as a stylish first name for girls, following the trend of soft-sounding surname-style names.
Ellis has risen sharply as a girls' name in the 2010s-2020s, driven by parents seeking sophisticated surname-style names with depth. Its Welsh heritage, two-syllable sound, and the nickname Ellie make it a near-perfect modern choice.
Ellis Island, the primary gateway for over 12 million immigrants to the United States, has made Ellis a name resonant with the American immigrant story — hope, new beginnings, and the American dream. In Wales, Ellis remains a traditional surname and first name with deep cultural roots.
Historical Record
Ellis first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 6,252 babies have been named Ellis in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Ellis is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #697 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Over 12 million immigrants entered the US through Ellis Island between 1892 and 1954
- Ellis Island is named after Samuel Ellis, a merchant who owned the island in the 1770s
- Elias (Ellis's root) is the Greek form of Elijah, the Old Testament prophet
Ellis in Other Languages
Welsh
Elis
French
Ellis
German
Ellis
Spanish
Ellis
Popularity Over Time
#697
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Ellis
B
Bret Easton Ellis
Writer
1964
American novelist and satirist known for American Psycho (1991) and Less Than Zero
P
Perry Ellis
Business
1940
American fashion designer whose sportswear brand became an iconic American label in the 1980s
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #697
- Total SSA Count
- 404
- Cultural Origins
- Welsh English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Ellie
Eli
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
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, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Ellis
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Ellis is also used as a boy name, ranked #273.
View Ellis as a boy name →Similar Names
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Compare Ellis with...
Same Origin Names (Welsh)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ellis
What does the name Ellis mean?
"my God is Yahweh" (from Hebrew via Welsh). "benevolent, kind" (from Welsh). Ellis is the Welsh and English form of Elias, which derives from the Hebrew name Elijah, meaning 'my God is Yahweh.' It was a common surname in Wales and England throughout the Middle Ages. Ellis Island — the famous immigration gateway to the United States — gave the name historical significance for millions of American families whose ancestors passed through it between 1892 and 1954. Ellis has recently emerged as a stylish first name for girls, following the trend of soft-sounding surname-style names.
What is the origin of the name Ellis?
Ellis has Hebrew via Welsh, Welsh, English, and American origins. In Hebrew via Welsh, it means "my God is Yahweh". In Welsh, it means "benevolent, kind".
Is Ellis a boy or girl name?
Ellis is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #697. As a boy name, it is ranked #273. 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 #697 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Ellis?
Common nicknames for Ellis include Ellie and Eli.
What are good middle names for Ellis?
Popular middle name pairings include Ellis Mae, Ellis Rose, Ellis Jane, Ellis Claire, Ellis Grace, Ellis Anne, and Ellis Pearl.
What are good sibling names for Ellis?
Names that pair well with Ellis as siblings include Rowan, Marlowe, Emmett, Hollis, Sullivan, Cleo, and Sloane.
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 moderately common, ranked #697 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What girl names are similar to Ellis?
About the Name Ellis
Ellis is a girl name with Welsh, English, and American origins . The name means "my God is Yahweh" in Hebrew via Welsh .
Is Ellis a boy or girl name? Ellis is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #697 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #273. Ellis is more commonly used as a boy name.
Ellis is currently ranked #697 in popularity for girl 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 Ellie and Eli. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Ellis include Ellie, Elliana, Elliott, Ellianna, Elliot . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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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