Ethel
Pronunciation: [ EHTH-uhl ]
Does Ethel flow with your last name?
A distinctive boy name with a rare, memorable quality.
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
Similar Names
Names Like Ethel
Same sound, same style — different options
Nicknames
Nicknames for Ethel
4 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
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Browse nicknames →Historical Record
Ethel first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 86 babies have been named Ethel in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Ethel is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #26,504 for boy names in the US .
Popularity Over Time
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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Compare Ethel with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Popularity Rank
- #26,504
- Total SSA Count
- 5
Alternative Spellings
Nicknames
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, 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, 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 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, extended 2-3 combo
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Ethel is also used as a girl name, ranked #4921.
View Ethel as a girl name →Similar Names
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View all →African American naming tradition origin
"Modern creative formation"
#26,551 in US
Hebrew (via Elizabeth) origin
"pledged to God"
#26,507 in US
Tamil origin
"fiery, blazing"
#26,446 in US
Sanskrit arnava origin
"vast waters, the deep"
#26,572 in US
Hebrew Yeshayahu origin
"Yahweh saves"
#26,383 in US
Hebrew origin
"merciful, gracious"
#26,577 in US
American origin
"modern American coinage; possibly ech..."
#26,336 in US
Save Your Name Card
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ethel
Is Ethel a boy or girl name?
How do you pronounce Ethel?
How popular is the name Ethel?
What are common nicknames for Ethel?
Is Ethel a common or rare name?
What boy names are similar to Ethel?
Are there other spellings for Ethel?
About the Name Ethel
Ethel is a boy name .
Is Ethel a boy or girl name? Ethel is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #26,504 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #4,921. Ethel is more commonly used as a girl name.
Ethel is currently ranked #26,504 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
Common nicknames for Ethel include Eth, Ety, Etie, and Ethkins. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Ethel include Ethen . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
Keep Exploring
Recommended for Parents
Start a registry
Free welcome box on Amazon
Baby Name Wizard
Names that actually age well
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
We may earn a commission from these links.
Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis