Ellie Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: EL-ee /ˈɛli/
Origin: English; Greek
Meaning: English: bright shining one; Greek: torch
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Ellie has its roots in the Hebrew name Eliana, which means "God has answered me." This name was adapted into Greek as Helene, which carries the meaning of "torch" or "light." The transition into Latin occurred as Helena, a name borne by several early saints and the mother of Emperor Constantine, who played a significant role in the establishment of Christianity in the Roman Empire during the 4th century. The name eventually made its way into Old French as Hélène before being adopted into English, where it became popularized in various forms, including Ellie, as a diminutive or affectionate variant.
Throughout history, the name Ellie has been associated with notable figures, including Saint Helena, who is venerated in both the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions. Her legacy, particularly her reputed discovery of the True Cross in the 4th century, has contributed to the name's enduring significance in Christian contexts.
The name also appears in various literary works, enhancing its cultural resonance. For instance, it has been used in children's literature and popular fiction, where characters named Ellie often embody qualities of kindness and resilience.
In addition to its religious and literary associations, the name Ellie has been embraced in various cultures, often symbolizing light and hope. The diminutive form has been used affectionately, reflecting a sense of warmth and familiarity.
This connection to light and positivity has helped the name maintain its appeal across generations, making it a cherished choice in many families. Overall, the name Ellie encapsulates a rich tapestry of linguistic evolution and cultural significance, rooted in ancient traditions and historical narratives.
Famous people named Ellie
Ellie Goulding is a singer and songwriter best known for Lights, Burn, and Love Me Like You Do.
Ellie Kemper is an actress and comedian best known for The Office, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and Bridesmaids.
Ellie Bamber is an actress best known for Nocturnal Animals, The Falling, and The Nutcracker and the Four Realms.
Ellie Sattler is a fictional character best known as a paleontologist in the Jurassic Park franchise.
Fictional characters named Ellie
Ellie is a fictional character from the video game series The Last of Us. She is a young survivor in a post-apocalyptic world who plays a crucial role in the story's emotional depth and character development.
Ellie is a fictional character from the animated film Up. She is the adventurous and spirited wife of Carl Fredricksen, whose dreams inspire him throughout the film.
Sibling suggestions
Similar names
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Ellie was first seen in the United States in 1880.
Ellie has ranked as high as #65 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Ohio, Florida, and New York.
In the past 5 years the name Ellie has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Ellie (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 709 | |
| TX | 663 | |
| FL | 372 | |
| OH | 264 | |
| NY | 252 | |
| PA | 228 | |
| NC | 227 | |
| GA | 211 | |
| TN | 182 | |
| IL | 166 | |
| IN | 158 | |
| MO | 150 | |
| AZ | 145 | |
| KY | 141 | |
| WA | 141 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880 | 17 |
| 1881 | 27 |
| 1882 | 37 |
| 1883 | 24 |
| 1884 | 28 |
| 1885 | 25 |
| 1886 | 34 |
| 1887 | 39 |
| 1888 | 41 |
| 1889 | 34 |
| 1890 | 40 |
| 1891 | 38 |
| 1892 | 41 |
| 1893 | 47 |
| 1894 | 53 |
| 1895 | 37 |
| 1896 | 52 |
| 1897 | 44 |
| 1898 | 53 |
| 1899 | 48 |
| 1900 | 65 |
| 1901 | 60 |
| 1902 | 51 |
| 1903 | 48 |
| 1904 | 54 |
| 1905 | 54 |
| 1906 | 51 |
| 1907 | 56 |
| 1908 | 56 |
| 1909 | 38 |
| 1910 | 50 |
| 1911 | 47 |
| 1912 | 64 |
| 1913 | 81 |
| 1914 | 70 |
| 1915 | 90 |
| 1916 | 83 |
| 1917 | 84 |
| 1918 | 123 |
| 1919 | 89 |
| 1920 | 83 |
| 1921 | 84 |
| 1922 | 93 |
| 1923 | 82 |
| 1924 | 87 |
| 1925 | 91 |
| 1926 | 71 |
| 1927 | 66 |
| 1928 | 56 |
| 1929 | 54 |
| 1930 | 55 |
| 1931 | 43 |
| 1932 | 35 |
| 1933 | 46 |
| 1934 | 47 |
| 1935 | 44 |
| 1936 | 46 |
| 1937 | 48 |
| 1938 | 39 |
| 1939 | 38 |
| 1940 | 38 |
| 1941 | 45 |
| 1942 | 35 |
| 1943 | 36 |
| 1944 | 31 |
| 1945 | 42 |
| 1946 | 45 |
| 1947 | 42 |
| 1948 | 44 |
| 1949 | 37 |
| 1950 | 43 |
| 1951 | 43 |
| 1952 | 48 |
| 1953 | 59 |
| 1954 | 52 |
| 1955 | 62 |
| 1956 | 57 |
| 1957 | 53 |
| 1958 | 59 |
| 1959 | 67 |
| 1960 | 74 |
| 1961 | 60 |
| 1962 | 66 |
| 1963 | 76 |
| 1964 | 63 |
| 1965 | 60 |
| 1966 | 39 |
| 1967 | 41 |
| 1968 | 44 |
| 1969 | 53 |
| 1970 | 44 |
| 1971 | 30 |
| 1972 | 47 |
| 1973 | 55 |
| 1974 | 54 |
| 1975 | 70 |
| 1976 | 69 |
| 1977 | 60 |
| 1978 | 57 |
| 1979 | 81 |
| 1980 | 75 |
| 1981 | 81 |
| 1982 | 71 |
| 1983 | 71 |
| 1984 | 57 |
| 1985 | 48 |
| 1986 | 58 |
| 1987 | 87 |
| 1988 | 91 |
| 1989 | 128 |
| 1990 | 173 |
| 1991 | 169 |
| 1992 | 234 |
| 1993 | 255 |
| 1994 | 252 |
| 1995 | 359 |
| 1996 | 374 |
| 1997 | 432 |
| 1998 | 603 |
| 1999 | 708 |
| 2000 | 829 |
| 2001 | 906 |
| 2002 | 1,619 |
| 2003 | 1,728 |
| 2004 | 1,817 |
| 2005 | 1,890 |
| 2006 | 1,996 |
| 2007 | 2,010 |
| 2008 | 1,996 |
| 2009 | 2,234 |
| 2010 | 2,912 |
| 2011 | 3,064 |
| 2012 | 3,388 |
| 2013 | 3,764 |
| 2014 | 4,487 |
| 2015 | 4,873 |
| 2016 | 5,072 |
| 2017 | 5,019 |
| 2018 | 5,221 |
| 2019 | 5,430 |
| 2020 | 5,601 |
| 2021 | 5,864 |
| 2022 | 5,784 |
| 2023 | 5,968 |
| 2024 | 6,306 |