Ellen
How to say it: EL-un · /ˈɛlən/
English form of Helen, from Greek Helene possibly meaning 'torch' or 'moon'; a refined classic.
Ellen was the 926th most popular girls’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 230 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 1880s, its births are down about 43% in ten years, and it is projected to slip to #1,123 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among girls’ names, 2025 | #926 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 230 |
| Share of births | 1 in 14,414 |
| Peak decade | 1880s |
| Change over 10 years | −43% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #1,123 |
| In France, 2025 | #1,735 among girls’ names, 10 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Long established before its high in the 1880s, Ellen has faded steadily. It stands far below that peak with further slipping likely ahead.
What goes with it
Gentle with soft flowing sounds, Ellen carries a sky and light quality. Alice feels kindred in mood.
Nicknames
- Ellie
- Nell
- Nellie
Honouring a Ellen in the family
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Ellen is about under 1 in 200.
Around the world
This spelling is used in Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Norwegian, Swedish.
In France: #1,735 for girls in 2025.
Ireland: #166.
Famous people named Ellen
- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (born 1938)24th president of Liberia
- Ellen DeGeneres (born 1958)American comedian, television host, actress, and writer
- Ellen Burstyn (born 1932)American actress
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
Keep exploring
About as popular as Ellen
In the same lists
Find names you'll both love, starting with Ellen
The one-minute style quiz.