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Ellison Unisex

Popularity: #719 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationEL-ih-sun / ˈɛlɪsən

English; Hebrew

Meaning

English: son of Ellis; Hebrew: God is my salvation

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Ellison has its roots in the Old English name "Ellis," which is derived from the Hebrew name "Eliahu" (אֵלִיָּהוּ), meaning "My God is Yahweh." The name passed into Greek as "Elias" and then into Latin as "Elias" before evolving into various forms in the vernacular languages of Europe. In medieval England, the name Ellis became a common surname, often used as a patronymic, indicating "son of Ellis." The transition from a surname to a given name occurred in the 19th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, where it began to be used as a first name for both boys and girls, though it has become more commonly associated with females in recent times.

Historically, the name has been linked to several notable figures and events. The biblical prophet Elijah, whose name is the source of Ellis, is a significant figure in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions, known for his role in the Hebrew Bible during the 9th century BCE. The name's enduring presence can also be traced through various saints named Elias, particularly Saint Elias of the 4th century, who contributed to the name's religious significance. The translation of the Bible into English, including the King James Version in the early 17th century, helped popularize biblical names, including those derived from Elijah.

Culturally, the name Ellison carries connotations of strength and faith, reflecting its biblical origins. It has been associated with various literary and artistic works, further embedding it in cultural consciousness. The use of diminutives such as "Ellie" has also contributed to its charm and appeal, allowing for a more affectionate form while maintaining a connection to its historical roots. Overall, the name Ellison encapsulates a rich tapestry of linguistic evolution and cultural significance, rooted in deep historical and religious traditions.

Trend Summary

Ellison has seen a steady increase in popularity as a girl's name in the United States over the past decade.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Elly
  • Ellie

International Variants

  • Elisa (Italian)
  • Eliana (Spanish)
  • Elysia (Greek)

Famous people named Ellison

Ellison Onizuka was an astronaut best known for his mission on STS-51-L and his work with NASA.

Fictional characters named Ellison

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Ellison was first seen in the United States in 1914. Ellison has ranked as high as #1036 nationally, which occurred in 2021, and has been most popular in Texas, South Carolina, California, North Carolina, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Ellison has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Ellison (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 26
15%
SC 25
14%
NC 17
10%
GA 17
10%
TN 13
7%
KY 10
6%
WI 9
5%
MO 8
5%
IL 8
5%
AL 7
4%
CA 7
4%
FL 7
4%
OH 7
4%
LA 6
3%
OK 5
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19146
19595
19617
19625
19705
19717
19726
19758
19765
19778
19787
19797
19808
19825
19837
19847
19855
198610
19875
19889
198915
19907
19919
199214
199312
199418
199520
199622
199732
199840
199936
200054
200158
200268
200383
200496
2005117
2006158
2007150
2008172
2009146
2010196
2011235
2012237
2013266
2014304
2015287
2016298
2017270
2018271
2019323
2020290
2021329
2022239
2023229
2024232