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.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Ellen has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the past century and a half in the United States.
From 1880 to 1950, the number of babies named Ellen increased steadily. In 1880, there were 411 births with the name Ellen. This number grew consistently until it peaked at 5967 births in 1950. This period can be considered the most popular era for the name Ellen.
However, from 1950 onwards, the popularity of the name Ellen began to decline. In 1960, there were still 4844 babies named Ellen, but by 1970, this number had dropped to 1759. This downward trend continued until the late 1980s, with a low of 237 births in 2023.
Despite this decline, there have been periods where the name Ellen has seen a resurgence in popularity. For example, between 1987 and 1994, the number of babies named Ellen increased from 854 to 1322. Similarly, there was another brief increase from 2003 to 2006, with births ranging from 594 to 668.
In conclusion, while the name Ellen has seen significant fluctuations in popularity over time, it remains a classic and timeless choice for parents. Despite its decline in recent years, there have been periods where Ellen has remained popular, suggesting that it continues to hold appeal as a distinctive and enduring name option.