The first name Ely

In 2025, 3 boys were named Ely, making it the 5,137th most popular boys’ name. It peaked in 2010, with 13 births (#1,724).

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

In 2025, 49 boys born in the United States were named Ely, the 2,653rd most popular boys’ name that year. It was used most in 2009, when 159 were.

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.

• Ely do Amparo
  Brazilian footballer (1921–1991)
• Alfred Ely Beach
  American businessman (1826–1896)
• Ely Culbertson
  American contract bridge entrepreneur (1891–1955)
• Ely Pouget
  American actress and model, born 1960
• Ely Jacques Kahn
  American architect (1884–1972)

• Harley
• Lee
• Oakley
• Ashton
• Marley
• Sidney
• Harlow
• Wren
• Leighton
• Payton
• Rylan
• Devon
• Tatum
• Sutton
• Monroe
• Royal

All 216 names of English origin

What does the name Ely mean?

Inherited from Middle English Ely, from Old English Ēlīġ, of uncertain origin.

What is the origin of the name Ely?

Inherited from Middle English Ely, from Old English Ēlīġ, of uncertain origin.

How popular is the name Ely?

In 2025, 3 boys born in England and Wales were named Ely, ranking 5,137th. Its peak was 2010, with 13 births.

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

Both. Of the 5,087 US babies named Ely since 1880, 12% were girls and 88% boys.

When was Ely most popular?

2009 in the United States, when 159 babies were named Ely, its highest rank at 1,149th.

How do you pronounce Ely?

Ely is /iːli/, 2 syllables.

Is Ely also a surname?

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