Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Ellen
GirlEnglish, Greek· “uncertain (medieval form of Helen)”
- Meaning
- uncertain (medieval form of Helen) (origin disputed)
- Origin
- English, Greek
- Pronunciation
- EL-uhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,062
- US babies 2025
- 230
- Best rank
- #58 (1946)
- Peak year
- 1951
Meaning and origin of Ellen
Ellen is often said to mean “uncertain (medieval form of Helen)”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to English and Greek roots.
Ellen began in medieval England as a form of Helen, from the Greek Helene. The meaning of Helene is uncertain; it has often been linked to words for torch or light, or to Selene, the moon, but none of these is firmly established. Ellen became a name in its own right and was popular in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Notable bearers include the actress Ellen Terry and the novelist Ellen Glasgow. Today Ellen feels warm, sensible and classic, with Ellie and Nell as nicknames.
Other spellings with the same sound: Ellan.
Popularity over time
Ellen has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 142 different years. Its best national rank was #58 in 1946, and the most babies received it in 1951, when 5,945 were named Ellen. In 2025, 230 babies were named Ellen, and it ranked #1,062 nationally. That is 43% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #92 in 1920, #66 in 1950, #260 in 1980, #449 in 2000, #674 in 2010, and #1,062 in 2025. Of the 275,284 US girls named Ellen since records began, 20% were born in the 1950s, its biggest decade. The 1940s come next, with 45,404 babies. Since 2010, 5,582 more have been named Ellen.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Marsha, Marcia, Constance, Glenda, and Charlene.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Ellen ranked highest in Kansas, Indiana, and Washington.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas | #516 | 6 |
| Indiana | #674 | 9 |
| Washington | #701 | 9 |
| North Carolina | #739 | 13 |
| Maryland | #757 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Ellen is usually pronounced EL-uhn, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with E and ends in “-en”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Ellan.
Middle names for Ellen
A few middle names that flow with Ellen: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Ellen
Similar names
Karen Girl
KEH-ruhn
“Danish form of Katherine” · Danish
#1,281
Kathleen Girl
kath-LEEN
“Irish form of Catherine; meaning uncertain” · Irish
#1,156
Arlen Unisex
AHR-luhn
“from an Irish or English surname” · Irish
#1,587
Christen Unisex
KRIHS-uhn
“follower of Christ; variant of Christian” · English
#9,591
Cindy Girl
SIN-dee
“from Mount Cynthus (via Cynthia)” · English
#1,929
Loren Unisex
LOR-uhn
“from Laurentum; variant of Lauren” · English
#3,015
Stacey Girl
STAY-see
“short form of Anastasia; resurrection” · Greek
#3,096
Sandy Girl
SAN-dee
“short for Alexander or Alexandra” · English
#3,020
Nikki Girl
NIK-ee
“victory of the people (via Nicole)” · English
#3,504
Arwen Girl
AHR-wehn
“noble maiden; coined by Tolkien” · English
#1,384
Hellen Girl
HEH-luhn
“variant of Helen” · Greek
#1,800
Barbie Girl
BAR-bee
“pet form of Barbara, "foreign woman"” · English
#4,277
Lists that include Ellen
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ellen mean?
Ellen is often said to mean “uncertain (medieval form of Helen)”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to English and Greek roots.
What is the origin of the name Ellen?
Ellen has English and Greek roots. Ellen began in medieval England as a form of Helen, from the Greek Helene.
Is Ellen a popular name?
Not especially. Ellen ranked #1,062 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Ellen a boy or girl name?
Ellen is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Ellen?
Ellen is usually pronounced EL-uhn. 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