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Ellen

Girl · Greek · Medium name

Meaning
Light, shining one
Pronunciation
EL-en
Origin
Greek

From Greek 'helenē' meaning light or torch.

Popularity
Uncommon in United States (2023)

Popularity: US SSA, 2023

VintageClassicSoft and gentle

Languages in use: Greek, English

Commonly used in: United States, United Kingdom

Alternate spellings

  • ElinScandinavian / English

    Scandinavian form.

Cultural associations

People who share this name. These are context, not the origin of the name.

  • Ellen DeGeneres

    1958–present

    American comedian and television host.

    Reference

Similar names

Matched on shared origin, language, or verified meaning themes. Spelling similarity alone is not treated as a linguistic relationship.

Helen

HEL-en

Girl · Greek

Meaning: Light, torch, shining one

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Eleanor

EL-uh-nor

Girl · French

Meaning: Light, sun ray, shining one

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Elin

EH-lin

Girl · Greek

Meaning: Light, of the light, of the shining

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Nellie

NEL-ee

Girl · Greek

Meaning: Shining light, horn, sun ray

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Nella

NEL-uh

Girl · Greek

Meaning: Light, of the horn, of the sun ray

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Eilidh

AY-lee

Girl · Greek

Meaning: Light, sun ray, torch

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Sources for this record

US SSA, Baby Names from Social Security Card Applications (2023). Last verified 2025-01-15.

How Lucky Stork verifies name data →