"island"
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Language: Irish
Ennis
Pronunciation: [ EHN-ihs ]
Does Ennis flow with your last name?
An ancient Irish island name with wild beauty
Irish
Scottish
English
American
Earthy
Vintage
Strong
Traditional
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"one island, isolated place"
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with Ennis Del Mar, the closeted cowboy in Brokeback Mountain (2005), which may be significant for some parents
The Story of Ennis
Ennis derives from the Irish and Scottish Gaelic word inis, meaning island. It was originally a place name, referring to land surrounded by water, and became a surname before being used as a given name. The town of Ennis in County Clare, Ireland, is one of the most well-known bearers of this name.
Ennis experienced a notable cultural moment after the 2005 film Brokeback Mountain, where the protagonist Ennis Del Mar brought the name into mainstream consciousness. It remains relatively uncommon, appealing to parents who favor Celtic names with geographic roots.
In Irish culture, Ennis is deeply associated with County Clare, a heartland of traditional Irish music and culture. The name carries a sense of rootedness and connection to the Irish landscape.
Historical Record
Ennis first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 1,311 babies have been named Ennis in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Ennis is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #6,096 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Ennis, County Clare is famous as the heartland of Irish traditional music
- The Gaelic word inis appears in hundreds of Irish place names
- Ennis was the birthplace of famous Irish politician Eamon de Valera
Ennis in Other Languages
Irish
Inis
Latin
Insula
Welsh
Ynys
Scottish Gaelic
Innis
Popularity Over Time
#6,096
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Ennis
E
Ennis Cosby
Other
1969
Son of comedian Bill Cosby, whose tragic death in 1997 prompted nationwide grief
E
Ennis Del Mar Fictional
Other
Protagonist of Annie Proulx's short story and the 2005 film Brokeback Mountain, played by Heath Ledger
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #6,096
- Total SSA Count
- 15
- Cultural Origins
- Irish Scottish English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
En
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 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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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
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Ennis
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Ennis is also used as a girl name, ranked #70721.
View Ennis as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ennis
What does the name Ennis mean?
"island" (from Irish Gaelic). "one island, isolated place" (from Scottish Gaelic). Ennis derives from the Irish and Scottish Gaelic word inis, meaning island. It was originally a place name, referring to land surrounded by water, and became a surname before being used as a given name. The town of Ennis in County Clare, Ireland, is one of the most well-known bearers of this name.
What is the origin of the name Ennis?
Ennis has Irish Gaelic, Scottish Gaelic, Irish, Scottish, English, and American origins. In Irish Gaelic, it means "island". In Scottish Gaelic, it means "one island, isolated place".
Is Ennis a boy or girl name?
Ennis is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #6096. As a girl name, it is ranked #70721. Ennis is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Ennis?
Ennis is pronounced EHN-ihs.
How popular is the name Ennis?
Ennis is currently ranked #6096 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Ennis?
Popular middle name pairings include Ennis James, Ennis Patrick, Ennis Michael, Ennis Thomas, and Ennis Conor.
What are good sibling names for Ennis?
Names that pair well with Ennis as siblings include Declan, Finn, Cormac, Siobhan, and Niamh.
How many syllables does Ennis have?
Ennis has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Ennis a common or rare name?
Ennis is an uncommon name, ranked #6096 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Ennis
Ennis is a boy name with Irish, Scottish, English, and American origins . The name means "island" in Irish Gaelic .
Is Ennis a boy or girl name? Ennis is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #6,096 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #70,721. Ennis is more commonly used as a boy name.
Ennis is currently ranked #6,096 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Ennis has 2 syllables and is pronounced EHN-ihs, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Ennis include En. 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