Ellen Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Ellen originates from the Greek name Helene, meaning 'light' or 'torch'. It evolved through various forms such as Elen in Old French before becoming popular in English. The name is associated with positive traits like brightness and clarity. There is no biblical relevance. Ellen has maintained a classic image and popularity, especially in modern times, and is linked to several notable figures.
The name Ellen is most popular in Massachusetts, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Baby Boomers generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Ellen has been falling for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, too falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, falling for female in South, falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Ellen' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2883rd out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2002nd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2330th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 5688th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 8362nd out of 16616 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 94th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 92nd out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 86th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 186th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 245th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 530th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 797th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Ellen' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Ellen"
Pronunciation
/ˈɛlən/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Ellen is derived from the Greek name 'Helene', which means 'torch' or 'light'. It is often associated with brightness and clarity.
Meaning
light, torch
Language Evolution
Helene (Ancient Greek), Elen (Old French), Ellen (English)
Historical Usage
Ellen has been used since the Middle Ages and gained popularity in the 12th century in England, particularly after the Norman Conquest.
Variants & Derivatives
Helena, Elaine, Ellie, Ella
Modern Popularity & Image
Ellen is viewed as a classic and elegant name, often associated with grace and beauty. It remains popular in many English-speaking countries.
Famous People
Ellen DeGeneres, Ellen Burstyn, Ellen Pompeo
Explore More Ellen Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Ellen"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Ellen"
"Ellen" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 2883rd of 7545 | 131 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 2002nd of 6773 | 247 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2330th of 7552 | 232 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 5688th of 10718 | 49 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 8362nd of 16616 | 52 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 94th of 9107 | 52,059 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 92nd of 9204 | 53,906 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 86th of 12526 | 98,845 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 186th of 19264 | 24,988 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 245th of 27321 | 18,489 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 530th of 35406 | 8,857 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 797th of 30306 | 4,145 |
Regional Popularity of "Ellen" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- |
74.42% 1158th/1556 |
- | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- |
53.21% 1293rd/2430 |
- | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
64.02% 3325th/5194 |
- |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Ellen" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
6.14% 87th/1416 |
6.74% 93rd/1379 |
4.52% 107th/2366 |
6.22% 71st/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
5.43% 84th/1546 |
4.31% 67th/1556 |
5.01% 118th/2353 |
5.82% 90th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
4.27% 95th/2227 |
1.65% 40th/2430 |
4.03% 115th/2853 |
4.32% 120th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
6.20% 182nd/2937 |
3.50% 122nd/3483 |
6.62% 233rd/3518 |
7.52% 304th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
4.69% 173rd/3685 |
5.09% 228th/4475 |
5.18% 269th/5194 |
5.67% 358th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
8.47% 388th/4582 |
9.43% 487th/5164 |
8.34% 610th/7313 |
9.10% 679th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
17.02% 678th/3984 |
17.85% 801st/4487 |
12.49% 852nd/6822 |
13.86% 870th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Ellen"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Ellen" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.