The first name Ellis

In 2025, 582 boys were named Ellis, making it the 92nd most popular boys’ name. It peaked in 2006, with 876 births (#77).

Office for National Statistics; years with fewer than three births are not published and show as zero. Compare Ellis with other names.

In 2025, 1,417 boys born in the United States were named Ellis, the 243rd most popular boys’ name that year.

US Social Security Administration, from applications for a Social Security card. A name is only published for a year when at least five babies were given it, so quieter years show as zero.

• Michael Ellis DeBakey
  American cardiac surgeon (1908–2008)
• Ellis Marsalis Jr.
  American jazz pianist and educator (1934–2020)
• Ellis Rowan
  Australian artist, botanical illustrator and botanical collector (1848-1922)
• Hilda Ellis Davidson
  British academic (1914-2006)
• Ellis Simms
  English association football player (born 2001)
• Ellis R. Dungan
  American, film director (1909-2001)
• Ellis Yarnal Berry
  American politician (1902-1999)
• Ellis Arnall
  American politician, Governor of Georgia (1907–1992)
• Ellis Kaut
  German author of children's books (1920-2015)
• Ellis Larkins
  American recording artist; jazz pianist (1923-2002)
• Ellis Parker Butler
  American writer (1869-1937)
• Ellis Avery
  American writer (1972-2019)

• Reese
• Tegan
• Bryn
• Emlyn
• Gwyn
• Ceri

All 78 names of Welsh origin

What does the name Ellis mean?

Ellis means “benevolent”, “kind” in Welsh.

What is the origin of the name Ellis?

* 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”).

How popular is the name Ellis?

In 2025, 582 boys born in England and Wales were named Ellis, ranking 92nd. Its peak was 2006, with 876 births.

Is Ellis a boy's or a girl's name?

Both. Of the 57,731 US babies named Ellis since 1880, 13% were girls and 87% boys.

When was Ellis most popular?

2025 in the United States, when 1,417 babies were named Ellis, its highest rank at 243rd.

How do you pronounce Ellis?

Ellis is /ˈɛ.lɪs/, 2 syllables.

What are other spellings of Ellis?

Ellice.

Is Ellis also a surname?

Yes. Ellis is used as a surname as well as a first name; its surname page has the origin and how many people carry it.