Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Elle
GirlFrench, English· “she; short form of Eleanor or Ellen”
- Meaning
- she; short form of Eleanor or Ellen
- Origin
- French, English
- Pronunciation
- EHL
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #461
- US babies 2025
- 668
- Best rank
- #355 (2019)
- Peak year
- 2019
Meaning and origin of Elle
Elle is a French and English name that is usually said to mean “she; short form of Eleanor or Ellen”.
Elle is the French word for she, and in English it is also used as a short form of names such as Eleanor, Ellen, Gabrielle and Isabelle. As an independent name it has gained ground in recent decades, prized for its simplicity and chic French flavor. Elle is also the name of a well-known fashion magazine, which reinforces its stylish image. The name works well on its own or as a nickname for a longer formal name. It is a single sleek syllable that pairs easily with longer middle names.
Popularity over time
Elle first appears in US Social Security records in 1977. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 24 different years, starting in 2002. Its best national rank was #355 in 2019, the same year it reached its highest count of 890 babies. In 2025, 668 babies were named Elle, and it ranked #461 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,130 in 2000, #420 in 2010, and #461 in 2025. Of the 19,247 US girls named Elle since records began, 42% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 5,164 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Willa, Nylah, Demi, Alaya, and Royalty.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Elle ranked highest in Connecticut, Nevada, and Utah.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | #228 | 15 |
| Nevada | #272 | 10 |
| Utah | #296 | 15 |
| West Virginia | #326 | 5 |
| Louisiana | #327 | 14 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Elle is usually pronounced EHL, with one syllable. It has four letters, starts with E and ends in “-le”.
Middle names for Elle
A few middle names that flow with Elle: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Elle
Similar names
Isabelle Girl
IH-zuh-behl
“form of Elizabeth; my God is an oath” · French
#166
Annabelle Girl
A-nuh-behl
“lovable; or Anna plus belle” · English
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Gabrielle Girl
GA-bree-ehl
“God is my strength” · French
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Giselle Girl
jih-ZEL
“pledge” · French
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Camille Girl
kuh-MEEL
“ceremonial attendant” · French
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Noelle Girl
noh-EHL
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Paige Girl
PAYJ
“young servant, page” · English
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Anabelle Girl
AN-uh-bel
“possibly lovable” · Scottish
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Adele Girl
uh-DEHL
“noble” · French
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Joelle Girl
joh-EHL
“Yahweh is God” · French
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Estelle Girl
eh-STEHL
“star” · French
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Gisselle Girl
jih-ZEHL
“variant of Giselle, 'pledge'” · French
#1,812
Lists that include Elle
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Elle mean?
Elle is a French and English name that is usually said to mean “she; short form of Eleanor or Ellen”.
What is the origin of the name Elle?
Elle has French and English roots. Elle is the French word for she, and in English it is also used as a short form of names such as Eleanor, Ellen, Gabrielle and Isabelle.
Is Elle a popular name?
Yes. Elle ranked #461 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Elle a boy or girl name?
Elle is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Elle?
Elle is usually pronounced EHL. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings