The Name Ellis: Meaning, Origin, and Popularity

Ellis is a classic Welsh surname-turned-given name that has steadily gained popularity as a masculine option in recent years. With its strong, straightforward sound and storied roots, Ellis makes for an attractive choice for many modern parents seeking a name that is both timeless and on-trend.

Origin and Meaning

Ellis is derived from the Welsh surname "Elis," which originated as a variant of the more common name Elijah. The name Elijah itself comes from the Hebrew name "Eliyahu," meaning "my God is Yahweh." Over time, the name evolved from Elis to the modern spelling of Ellis.

Popularity and Trends

After falling out of widespread use for much of the 20th century, Ellis has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in the 2000s and 2010s. In 2022, Ellis ranked #307 on the list of most popular baby boy names in the United States, with 58 newborns given the name. This represents a significant increase from its ranking of #522 just 10 years prior in 2012. While still considered a relatively uncommon choice, Ellis has steadily climbed the charts in recent years as parents seek out classic yet stylish boy names.

Notable Name bearers

Some well-known individuals who share the name Ellis include:

• Ellis Island, the historic gateway for millions of immigrants to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries
• Ellis Paul, an acclaimed American folk singer-songwriter
• Ellis Burks, a former Major League Baseball outfielder

Style and Attributes

Ellis is often considered a classic, easy-to-wear name that has a refined, gentlemanly feel. Parents drawn to Ellis may appreciate its strong, masculine sound as well as its deep cultural roots. This name tends to attract parents seeking a name that is familiar yet not overly common.

Positive traits commonly associated with the name Ellis include:

• Intelligent
• Hardworking
• Ethical
• Dependable
• Rugged

Flow and Combos

Ellis pairs well with both short and long middle names, as well as a variety of last names. Some great full name combinations include:

• Ellis James Donovan
• Ellis Thomas Novak
• Ellis Andrew Bernstein

Cultural References

In addition to Ellis Island, the name Ellis has appeared in various literary and cultural works over the years, including:

• Ellis Boyd "Red" Redding, a character in the acclaimed novel and film "The Shawshank Redemption"
• Ellis Carver, a character on the HBO series "The Wire"
• "Ellis Island," a 1989 song by Nanci Griffith describing the immigrant experience

Alternative Names

If you're considering the name Ellis for your little one, here are a few other classic, masculine names that share a similar style and vibe:

• Owen
• Levi
• Asher
• Declan

Ultimately, the name Ellis is a strong, storied choice that represents both tradition and modernity. With its growing popularity and wealth of positive associations, it's no surprise that many parents are drawn to this timeless, yet on-trend option.