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Ellington

♀ Girl

Ellington Pronunciation

Ellington is pronounced EL-ing-tən /ˈɛl.ɪŋ.tən/High

Meaning: From an English place name, likely 'Ella's settlement', via the surname carried by Duke EllingtonMedium

In 30 seconds: Jazz aristocracy as a girl's name: Ellington borrows the Duke's surname — an English 'Ella's town' — for daughters with Ella tucked right inside. A name that swings.

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Origin MediumEnglish

MeaningFrom an English place name, likely 'Ella's settlement', via the surname carried by Duke Ellington

U.S. rank (2024)#3518 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births44 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2015

Total births (all-time)≈ 945

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Ellington is an English place-and-surname name — villages parsed as 'Ella's settlement' or 'settlement of Ella's people' — made luminous by Edward 'Duke' Ellington, jazz's grand composer-bandleader. As a girls' first name it pairs surname-chic with the built-in nickname Ella.

It registers thinly and recently for girls. Rare, musical, and effortlessly Ella-equipped.

Did you know? Duke Ellington composed nearly two thousand pieces and led his band for fifty years — naming a daughter Ellington hands her America's most prolific bandstand pedigree.

Overall data confidence 72%

Dictionary of American Family Names — Ellington — surname origin, debated

Variations

EllingtynElington

Nicknames

EllaElleEllie

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Ellington…

Ella— the nickname nested inside it

Kensington— a fellow grand -ton place name for girls

Everly— the companion musical-surname pick

Harlow— another jazz-age-flavored girls' name

→ See all names like Ellington

Browse the whole category: All English names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Ellington?

Ellington is pronounced EL-ing-tən (/ˈɛl.ɪŋ.tən/). Press play above to hear Ellington said aloud.

How do you say Ellington?

Ellington is said EL-ing-tən (/ˈɛl.ɪŋ.tən/). Press play above to hear Ellington said aloud.

What does the name Ellington mean?

Ellington comes from an English place name, likely 'Ella's settlement', and the surname of Duke Ellington.

Is Ellington a boy or girl name?

Ellington is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a girl's name.

How popular is Ellington?

Ellington is a rare name for girls in the U.S.