Ellen is a name of English origin that has been popular for centuries. It is a diminutive form of the name Eleanor, which is derived from the Old French name Alienor, itself originating from the Germanic elements adal "noble" and han "home". Therefore, Ellen means "noble home ruler".
The name Ellen first appeared in English literature during the 13th century. It was used by many notable figures throughout history, including Ellen Terry, a renowned Victorian actress, and Ellen Glasgow, an American Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist.
Today, Ellen remains a popular choice for parents looking to name their daughter with a classic yet timeless name. Its simple yet elegant sound makes it easy to pronounce and remember, making it a versatile option across various cultures. Overall, the name Ellen carries a rich history and meaningful significance, reflecting its noble origins.
The name Ellen has a rich history and fluctuating popularity in the United States over the past century and a half. From 1880 to 2023, there have been a total of 274,796 births registered with the name Ellen.
In the late 19th century, the name Ellen began to gain traction, with around 400-500 births per year between 1880 and 1889. The name peaked in popularity during World War II, with over 4,000 births each year from 1942 to 1945. This trend continued into the post-war era, with nearly 6,000 Ellen births recorded in 1946 alone.
Ellen's popularity started to decline in the late 1950s and early 1960s, with fewer than 2,000 births per year from 1958 onwards. This downward trend persisted until the mid-1970s when the name began to regain some traction once again, reaching its most recent peak in 1989 with over 1,300 births.
However, Ellen's popularity has since waned significantly, with fewer than 1,000 births recorded each year from 1994 onwards. The most recent data available (2023) indicates that there were only 237 births registered with the name Ellen in the United States.
Despite its decline in current times, Ellen remains a historic and traditional name choice for parents in the United States, with many families carrying on this enduring name throughout generations.