Ellen

♀ Girl

Pronounced EL-un /ˈɛl.ən/High

Meaning: Bright, shining; an English form of Helen, from Greek helene (possibly related to helios, sun)High

In 30 seconds: An English form of Helen meaning 'bright' or 'shining.' Solid and understated, Ellen has been used continuously in English since the medieval period and is now gently reviving after a mid-century lull.

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Origin HighGreek, English

MeaningBright, shining; an English form of Helen, from Greek helene (possibly related to helios, sun)

U.S. rank (2024)#1028 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births244 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1951

Total births (all-time)≈ 275,048

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

Ellen is a medieval English form of Helen, which derives from the Greek Helene, possibly from helios (sun) or selas (brightness). Ellen was common in medieval England and Scotland and remained in steady use through the early 20th century.

Ellen peaked in the U.S. in the early-to-mid 20th century, declined, and is now seeing a modest revival alongside other short vintage names like June and Dot. Ranked #1028 for girls in 2024.

Did you know? Ellen DeGeneres's 1997 coming-out episode on her sitcom Ellen was the first prime-time episode of an American TV series where the main character came out as gay — a historic cultural moment that kept the name visible.

Overall data confidence 88%

Behind the Name — Ellen — Greek/English etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

EllynElenElaine

Nicknames

ElEllieNell

Famous Bearers

★Ellen DeGeneres (1958–present)
American comedian, talk-show host, and actress, known for her 1997 coming-out and her long-running daytime talk show.

If you like Ellen…

Elaine— the French medieval form of the same Helen root

Helen— the full form from which Ellen derives

Eleanor— the Provencal/French form of the same ancient Greek root

Eleni— the modern Greek form of Helen in the same family

Nell— the English pet form historically derived from Ellen and Eleanor

Explore names like Ellen

By themeenglish greek short classic vintage

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Ellen mean?

Ellen means 'bright' or 'shining,' as an English form of Helen, from Greek Helene (possibly related to helios, sun).

How do you pronounce Ellen?

It's said EL-un — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Ellen a boy or girl name?

Ellen is used as a girls' name.

How popular is Ellen?

Ellen ranked #1028 for U.S. girls in 2024.