Elli

♀ Girl

Pronounced EL-ee /ˈɛl.i/High

Meaning: A diminutive of Eleanor or Ellen, ultimately from the Greek Helene meaning torch or shining light.High

In 30 seconds: Elli is a sweet, bright diminutive with roots in Greek light and Hebrew covenant names, as well as a surprising Norse mythological identity. It's cheerful, easy to spell, and warmly familiar.

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Origin HighGreek, Hebrew, Norse

MeaningA diminutive of Eleanor or Ellen, ultimately from the Greek Helene meaning torch or shining light.

U.S. rank (2024)#2974 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births55 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2014

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,705

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Elli functions primarily as a short form of Eleanor, Ellen, or Elizabeth across European naming traditions. Eleanor traces to the Old French and Occitan Aliénor, possibly from the Greek *Helene* (torch, shining light), while Elizabeth comes from the Hebrew Elisheba.

As a standalone name, Elli has been common in Scandinavia and Finland, where it ranks as an independent given name rather than a nickname. Its double-L spelling distinguishes it from Ellie and gives it a slightly more Continental feel, popular in modern minimal-naming trends.

Did you know? In Norse mythology, Elli was the personification of old age — disguised as an old woman, she brought mighty Thor to one knee in a wrestling match that no mortal or god could win.

Overall data confidence 88%

Behind the Name — Elli — Etymology and variant formsProse Edda — Gylfaginning — Norse myth source for Elli

Variations

EllieEllaElleEli

Nicknames

Famous Bearers

★Elli (mythological)
Personification of old age in Norse mythology who defeats Thor in a wrestling match in the Prose Edda's Gylfaginning.

If you like Elli…

Ellie— Near-identical name, most common spelling variant

Ella— Short El- name with same bright feel

Elsie— El- diminutive with similar vintage-sweet charm

Elara— Longer El- girls name with Greek roots

Emmie— Similar short double-letter diminutive style

Frequently Asked

What does the name Elli mean?

Elli primarily means bright or shining light as a short form of Eleanor (from Greek Helene) or alternatively carries the meaning of my God is abundance as a short form of Elizabeth.

How do you pronounce Elli?

Elli is pronounced EL-ee, two syllables with stress on the first: /ˈɛl.i/.

Is Elli a boy or girl name?

Elli is almost exclusively a girl's name in modern usage.

How popular is Elli?

Elli is less common than Ellie in the US but ranks independently in Scandinavian countries such as Finland and Sweden.