Elle

♀ Girl

Pronounced EL /ɛl/High

Meaning: French word meaning 'she,' used as a given name; also a short form of names like Eleanor (Greek 'bright, shining one') or Eleanor/Helen (from Greek 'helene,' torch); functions independently as a chic minimalist nameHigh

In 30 seconds: Elle is the ultimate minimalist girls' name — the French word for 'she,' reduced to one syllable of pure elegance. It also functions as a short form of Eleanor and similar names, carrying quiet sophistication.

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Origin HighFrench, Hebrew, Greek

MeaningFrench word meaning 'she,' used as a given name; also a short form of names like Eleanor (Greek 'bright, shining one') or Eleanor/Helen (from Greek 'helene,' torch); functions independently as a chic minimalist name

U.S. rank (2025)#461 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births668 girls (0.04% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2019

Total births (all-time)≈ 19,242

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Elle is the French feminine pronoun meaning 'she,' adopted as a given name for its elegant simplicity. It also functions as a short form of names beginning with El-, such as Eleanor (from Greek, meaning 'bright, shining') and Elizabeth (Hebrew, 'pledged to God'). The name's use in English-speaking countries increased notably in the late 20th century.

Elle gained broad popularity in the United States and UK in the 1990s and 2000s, partly through the cultural influence of Elle magazine and partly through the character Elle Woods in the Legally Blonde franchise. It now ranks among the top 500 girls' names in several English-speaking countries.

Did you know? Elle magazine, founded in France in 1945, is named for the French pronoun meaning 'she' — one of the most iconic fashion publications in the world, whose title literally means 'her.' The magazine has given the name an enduring association with style and femininity.

Overall data confidence 88%

Behind the Name — Elle — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

EllaEllieEleanor

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Elle Macpherson (1964–present)
Australian model and businesswoman known as 'The Body'

If you like Elle…

Ellie— shares the El- sound and the same bright, one-/two-syllable elegance

Ella— the two-syllable form with the same root and similar minimalist appeal

Eva— shares the single-vowel-ending and the same crisp, elegant simplicity

Ava— equally short and pure with the same top-tier girls' name appeal

Explore names like Elle

By thememodern short french elegant minimalist

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Frequently Asked

What does Elle mean?

Elle is the French word for 'she,' used as a given name for its elegant simplicity. It also serves as a short form of Eleanor and other El- names meaning 'bright' or 'shining.'

How do you pronounce Elle?

Elle is a single syllable pronounced EL /ɛl/.

Is Elle different from Ella?

Elle is a one-syllable name pronounced EL, while Ella is two syllables (EL-uh). Both are popular girls' names with overlapping El- roots.

Is Elle a popular girls' name?

Yes. Elle has been growing steadily and is currently ranked in the top 500 girls' names in several English-speaking countries, prized for its chic, minimal sound.