Ellison is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English personal name Aelle, which was composed of two elements: "ælf" meaning elf and "scyne" meaning kin or family. Therefore, Ellison can be interpreted to mean "elf-kinsman" or "elf-familiar". This name has a long history dating back to Anglo-Saxon times and was popular among the nobility during the Middle Ages.
The name Ellison is believed to have been introduced to England by the Saxons who settled in the country around the 5th century AD. It was not uncommon for names to be passed down through generations of families, often serving as a means of identifying individuals within large kinship groups. As such, Ellison may have been borne by many different people over the centuries, each with their own unique story and contribution to history.
Today, Ellison remains a rare but memorable name choice for parents seeking something unusual and meaningful for their child. While it is not particularly popular in modern times, its historic significance and unique etymology make it an appealing option for those wishing to give their child a distinctive moniker with deep roots in English history.
Based on the provided statistics, the popularity of the name Ellison in the United States has shown significant fluctuations over time. From 1881 to 1954, the number of annual births with the name Ellison ranged from a low of 5 to a high of 26, with an average of around 17 births per year during this period.
However, starting in 1955, there was a notable decrease in the popularity of the name Ellison. Between 1955 and 2000, the number of annual births with the name Ellison ranged from a low of 5 to a high of 30, with an average of around 14 births per year during this period.
Interestingly, there was a resurgence in the popularity of the name Ellison starting in the early 2000s. Between 2001 and 2023, the number of annual births with the name Ellison ranged from a low of 19 to a high of 101, with an average of around 57 births per year during this period.
In total, there have been 2792 births with the name Ellison in the United States between 1881 and 2023. While the popularity of the name has ebbed and flowed over time, it appears that Ellison is once again a popular choice for parents naming their children in recent years.