Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Ellis is a name of Welsh origin, derived from the Old Welsh 'Elisedd' and has connections to Hebrew. It means 'God is my help'. The name evolved from 'Elis' to 'Ellis' and has been used since the 19th century. It is associated with strong traits and has no biblical reference. Today, it is popular and carries a positive image of creativity and individuality.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈɛlɪs/
Origin
Welsh
Etymology
The name Ellis is derived from the Welsh name 'Elisedd', which comes from the Old Welsh 'Elis'. It is believed to be a diminutive of 'Elis', which ultimately has roots in the Hebrew name 'Eliezer', meaning 'God is my help'.
Meaning
The name means 'the Lord is my God' or 'God is my help'.
Language Evolution
Elis, Elisedd, Ellis
Historical Usage
The name Ellis gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 19th century, particularly in Wales and later in England and America. Its use as both a first name and surname became more common during this period.
Variants & Derivatives
Elis, Elisedd, Eli, Ellie
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, the name Ellis is viewed as a strong and classic name. It has a modern appeal and is often associated with creativity and individuality.
Famous People
Ellis Peters, Ellis R. D. W. C. H. McGowan, Ellis C. D. T. M. C. Smith
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,654 peak births in 2024
Geographic Spread
Popular across 50 US states, with strongest presence in Mississippi
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (10 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 10 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
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
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 203rd of 7545 | 10,449 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 262nd of 6773 | 8,298 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 375th of 7552 | 7,375 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 602nd of 10718 | 2,920 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 769th of 16616 | 2,578 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 782nd of 24088 | 3,945 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 341st of 23106 | 11,689 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 2025th of 9107 | 315 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 2321st of 9204 | 250 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 3973rd of 12526 | 180 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 9044th of 19264 | 58 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 5482nd of 27321 | 243 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 2093rd of 35406 | 1,424 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 768th of 30306 | 4,388 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
16.53% 234th/1416 |
21.03% 290th/1379 |
6.59% 156th/2366 |
19.79% 226th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
20.44% 316th/1546 |
21.14% 329th/1556 |
8.37% 197th/2353 |
23.34% 361st/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
20.21% 450th/2227 |
18.11% 440th/2430 |
10.38% 296th/2853 |
20.86% 579th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
22.61% 664th/2937 |
18.92% 659th/3483 |
13.47% 474th/3518 |
21.64% 875th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
22.52% 830th/3685 |
17.07% 764th/4475 |
13.19% 685th/5194 |
15.40% 973rd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
18.20% 834th/4582 |
14.78% 763rd/5164 |
10.21% 747th/7313 |
11.80% 881st/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
7.51% 299th/3984 |
8.22% 369th/4487 |
5.07% 346th/6822 |
5.85% 367th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
76.67% 1814th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
100.00% 5194th/5194 |
100.00% 6317th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
46.27% 2120th/4582 |
50.74% 2620th/5164 |
25.39% 1857th/7313 |
28.35% 2116th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
18.17% 724th/3984 |
25.03% 1123rd/4487 |
9.60% 655th/6822 |
14.64% 919th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity 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.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Mississippi across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the South 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, usage has been too falling for male in MidWest, falling for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, falling for female in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, too falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 203rd out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 262nd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 375th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 602nd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 769th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 782nd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 341st out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2025th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2321st out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3973rd out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 9044th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 5482nd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2093rd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 768th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.