Ellis: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced EL-is · 2 syllables
Ellis means “Yahweh is my god”, from Welsh.
* As an English surname, from the Middle English personal name Elis, an Old French form of Elias. Compare Elijah, Lias, Ely. Also sometimes from the Elice, a pet form of Elizabeth. * As a Welsh surname, shortened from the personal name Elisse, Elisedd, from the archaic elus (“benevolent, kind”).
- Meaning
- Yahweh is my god
- Origin
- Welsh
- Pronunciation
- EL-is
- US rank (2025)
- #243
- US babies a year
- about 1,629 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 2020
- Style
- Vintage, Comeback, Rising
How popular is Ellis?
Ellis was the #243 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,832 babies. It’s rising: up 114% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 2020.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #243 |
| England & Wales | #89 |
| Scotland | #88 |
| Northern Ireland | #193 |
| Ireland | #263 |
| Canada | #355 |
| Australia | #186 |
How old are people named Ellis?
Half of US adults named Ellis are older than 58; most are between 20 and 86. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Names like Ellis
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Ellis
What does the name Ellis mean?
Ellis means “Yahweh is my god”. It comes from Welsh.
How do you pronounce Ellis?
Ellis is pronounced EL-is.
How popular is the name Ellis?
Ellis was the #243 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,832 babies. It’s rising: up 114% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 2020.
How old are people named Ellis?
Half of US adults named Ellis are older than 58. Most are between 20 and 86.