Ellis is a name that manages to feel both historically grounded and effortlessly cool. It sits at the intersection of several major naming trends: it has the distinguished air of a surname-turned-first-name, the softness of the “vowel-heavy” trend, and the vintage charm that modern parents crave. While it was once strictly a grandfatherly moniker, today Ellis feels energetic, kind, and artistic. It is soft enough for a sweet baby but rugged enough for a grown adult.
At its core, Ellis is a name of goodwill. Stemming from Welsh roots, it carries the beautiful meaning of “benevolent” or “kind,” though it also serves as a vernacular form of the biblical Elias. This dual heritage gives it both a gentle demeanor and a spiritual strength.
Verdict: Ellis is an exceptional choice for a baby born in 2025. It offers a “sweet spot” alternative to the ubiquitous Elijah or ultra-popular Liam. It is familiar without being overused, gender-neutral yet classic, and carries a meaning that every parent hopes for their child: kindness.
Ellis Overview
- Meaning: Benevolent
- Gender: Unisex and surname
- Origin: Welsh
- Pronunciation: “El-liss”
- Popularity: 321st in the US
- Nicknames: El, Lis, Ellie
- Variations: Elys, Elias, Hellis
- Namesakes: Ellis Bell, Ellis Grey
What Does Ellis Mean?
On the surface, Ellis is widely cited as meaning “benevolent” or “kind.” This meaning is derived from its Welsh roots, where it evolved as a surname and given name associated with charitable character. It suggests a person of warm heart and good intentions, making it a lovely virtue name in disguise.
However, the etymology runs deeper. Ellis is also the Middle English vernacular form of Elias. Elias is the Greek cognate of the Hebrew name Elijah, which means “Yahweh is God.” Therefore, depending on which branch of the family tree you follow, Ellis can signify both human kindness and divine devotion.
Where Does the Name Ellis Come From?
Ellis is primarily considered a Welsh name, originating from the name Elis. It gained traction in the Middle Ages as an Anglicization of Elias, which has deep Hebrew origins stemming from the prophet Elijah.
It has a long history of use as a surname in the British Isles (think of the famous Ellis Island, named after Samuel Ellis). As a first name, it was firmly established in the English-speaking world by the 19th century. Interestingly, the Brontë sister Emily Brontë used the pseudonym “Ellis Bell” to publish Wuthering Heights in 1847, proving the name has had a unisex, literary edge for nearly two centuries.
How Popular is the Name Ellis?
Ellis is currently enjoying a major renaissance. It is a “U-shaped” curve name; it was a staple choice in the late 1800s and early 1900s, ranking consistently in the top 200. As the 20th century progressed, it fell out of fashion, viewed as a dusty “old man” name. It hit its lowest point in popularity around 2001, nearly falling off the charts entirely.
However, the script has flipped. Over the last two decades, Ellis has become a rising star. It climbed aggressively from the 900s back toward the top 300 (1). It fits perfectly with the current love for “soft boy names” ending in S (like Miles, Silas, and Brooks). It is widely considered a modern hit with vintage roots.
Internationally, the name has seen even greater success. In the United Kingdom, Ellis was a Top 100 powerhouse during the late 90s and 2000s, peaking at rank 77.
How Do I Pronounce Ellis?
The pronunciation is straightforward and intuitive: EL-iss.
It rhymes with “trellis.” There are rarely disputes over how to say this name, making it an easy traveler. In some Welsh dialects, the emphasis may be slightly more balanced between the syllables, but in general English usage, the stress is firmly on the first syllable.
Is Ellis a Boy or Girl Name?
Historically, Ellis was strictly a male given name (and a surname). Today, it is increasingly viewed as a unisex option. While statistically it is still more popular for boys, it is rapidly gaining ground for girls, likely influenced by the character Ellis Grey from Grey’s Anatomy and the trend of using surnames for daughters (like Ellison, Harper, or Sloane). It sits in that sophisticated “gender-neutral” category alongside names like Rowan and Quinn.
Variations of Ellis
Because Ellis is derived from the biblical Elias, it has cousins in almost every language. Whether you want to honor heritage or just want a slightly different spelling, here are the global variations:
- Elis (Welsh/Swedish)
- Elias (Greek/German)
- Elijah (Hebrew)
- Ilya (Russian)
- Ilyas (Arabic)
- Elia (Italian)
- Élie (French)
- Ellison (English Surname)
- Elys (Old English spelling)
- Elisedd (Welsh)
Nicknames for Ellis
Ellis is short and punchy enough to stand on its own, but parents always love options. Because it starts with a vowel, it lends itself to soft, affectionate shortenings.
Common Nicknames:
- El: Simple and classic.
- Ellie: Often used if the child is a girl, or as a sweet nickname for a young boy.
- Eli: A natural connection, though a standalone name itself.
Creative & Rare Nicknames:
- Lissy: A spirited twist, usually for girls.
- Ace: A stretch, but plays on the “S” sound at the end.
- Els: A quick, one-syllable snap often used in Europe.
Names Similar to Ellis
If you love the vibe of Ellis but it isn’t quite “the one,” consider these alternatives. We have selected these because they share the same gentle strength, vintage surname appeal, or Welsh roots.
- Silas: Shares the soft “-is/as” ending and biblical roots; very stylish right now.
- Miles: A classic that feels just as gentlemanly and timeless as Ellis.
- Rhys: A fellow Welsh name that is short, strong, and increasingly popular.
- Ezra: Shares the “E” vowel start and the soft, artistic vibe.
- Hollis: A nature-name alternative (meaning “holly tree”) that rhymes with Ellis.
- Asher: Like Ellis (Benevolent), Asher means “Happy,” keeping the positive meaning trend.
- Arlo: A vintage revival name with a similar literary and folk-music feel.
- Rowan: A perfect unisex alternative that connects to nature.
Middle Names for Ellis
Because Ellis is a two-syllable name with a soft start and finish, it is incredibly versatile. It pairs well with strong, consonant-heavy names to ground it, or longer names to give it elegance.
Classic & Timeless Pairings
These names anchor Ellis in history, making the full name sound distinguished and royal.
Modern & Cool Pairings
If you want to lean into the trendy side of Ellis, pair it with something punchy, perhaps monosyllabic.
- Ellis Jude
- Ellis Grey (A nod to pop culture, but undeniably stylish)
- Ellis Hayes
- Ellis Finn
- Ellis Cole
- Ellis Jett
Earthy & Nature-Inspired
Ellis has a natural, woody sound to it, so nature names compliment it beautifully without clashing.
Sibling Names for Ellis
Building a sibset around Ellis means looking for names that are vintage but not dusty, and generally gentle in sound.
For a Brother
- Julian: Matches the soft, intellectual vibe of Ellis perfectly.
- Milo: Short, sweet, and historically compatible.
- Felix: Another “old man” name that has become cool and energetic.
- Owen: Keeps the Welsh theme alive without being too matchy.
- August: A gentle vintage name that pairs beautifully.
For a Sister
- Hazel: An earthy vintage name that balances Ellis.
- Ivy: Short, botanical, and incredibly stylish.
- Nora: Classic, simple, and elegant.
- Maeve: A strong, one-syllable name with Celtic roots.
- Alice: Though they share sounds, the vintage aesthetic is a perfect match.
Famous People Named Ellis
The name Ellis has been borne by artists, athletes, and authors, proving its versatility across different fields of talent.
- Ellis Marsalis Jr.: A legendary American jazz pianist and patriarch of the famous musical Marsalis family from New Orleans.
- Ellis Bell: The male pseudonym used by Emily Brontë when she published her masterpiece, Wuthering Heights, to avoid the prejudice against female authors.
- Ellis Genge: A prominent English rugby union player known for his strength on the field.
- Ellis Peters: The pen name of Edith Pargeter, a prolific author best known for her Cadfael mystery series.
- Ellis Burks: A former Major League Baseball player who had a long and successful career in the outfield.
Ellis in Pop Culture
While often used as a surname in fiction (like the protagonist in the movie The Age of Adaline), Ellis has had some significant moments as a first name in entertainment.
- Ellis Grey: The brilliant but troubled surgeon and mother of Meredith Grey in the hit TV show Grey’s Anatomy. This character is largely credited with helping popularize Ellis as a girl’s name.
- Ellis “Red” Redding: The iconic character played by Morgan Freeman in The Shawshank Redemption; his first name is Ellis, though he is almost exclusively called Red.
- Ellis Carver: A memorable character from the critically acclaimed HBO series The Wire.
FAQs About the Name Ellis
Do Any Other Names Have the Same Meaning As Ellis?
A few other names mean benevolent or kind, just like Ellis. These names include Corlie, Eutimia, Latifa, Marwan, Naeemah, Revel, Renaee, Rheo, Adelaide, Agatha, and Mercy. Some other names do not share the same meaning, but they may have a similar meaning. For example, Jude means to praise, Cody means kind and helpful, and Calia means kind and beautiful.
What Can Ellis Be Short For?
Besides the names from which it was derived, Elijah and Elias, there are a few other names that Ellis can be a nickname for. These names include Elizabeth, Elanor, Elesandra, Elliot, Eliott, Ellison, and Elanora.
Is Ellis a biblical name?
Yes, indirectly. Ellis is a Medieval English form of Elias. Elias is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Elijah. Elijah was a major prophet in the Old Testament who ascended to heaven in a whirlwind. So, while “Ellis” does not appear in the Bible, its root, Elijah, is one of the most significant biblical figures.
How popular is Ellis for girls?
While Ellis remains predominantly a boy’s name (ranking in the top 400 for boys), it is rising for girls. It has not yet cracked the top 1000 for girls in the US Social Security list recently, but it is following the trend of “boy names for girls” similar to Elliott, Charlie, and James.
Is Ellis an Irish name?
Ellis is frequently mistaken for an Irish name due to its soft, Celtic sound and similarity to names like Ennis. However, Ellis is distinctly Welsh and English in origin. The Irish equivalent of Elias/Elijah would more likely be Elias (used historically) or Élíás.
What are unique spelling variations for Ellis?
If you want to distinguish the name, you can use the traditional Welsh spelling “Elis” (with one L). Old English records also show “Elys.” Some modern parents might opt for “Ellys” or “Elliss,” though the classic double-L, single-S spelling is by far the most recognized.
Why is the name Ellis associated with New York?
The name is strongly associated with New York City because of Ellis Island, the historic immigration inspection station in New York Harbor. It was named after Samuel Ellis, a colonial merchant and owner of the island in the 1770s. For many American families, the name represents hope, new beginnings, and history.
