Ellen

/ EL-un /
girlclassicvintageretrosimple

“torch, light” — Greek, English

—2024 rank
1951peak year
274,598babies named Ellen since 1880
▼ 30%5-year trend

Ellen popularity over 145 years

🌱 Below the charts · roughly undefined% girls / NaN% boys in 2024

peak 195118801920196020002024

What does Ellen mean?

The medieval English form of Helen, from Greek Helene, usually glossed 'torch' or 'shining light'. Steady for centuries with a quiet, bookish charm.

OriginGreek, English
Syllables2
Gendergirl
Styleclassic, vintage

Names like Ellen

Same era, same vibe — if you like Ellen, these usually land on the shortlist too.

Famous Ellens

Spellings & variants

HelenElenaNell

Not sure yet?

Tell the genie what you like — style, letter, vibe — and it will deal you a fresh hand of names.

Open the name generator 🧞