Ellen
Ellen is a girl name of Greek, via English origin, meaning “Form of Helen; often 'light'”.
| Meaning | Form of Helen; often 'light' |
|---|---|
| Gender | Girl |
| Origin | Greek, via English |
| Pronunciation | EL-un |
| Tradition | Modern & Classic |
| Used in | United Kingdom, United States, Sweden, Netherlands |
Meaning and origin of Ellen
Ellen is a medieval English form of Helen, from the Greek Helene, whose meaning is uncertain; it is often linked to words for torch or bright light. Ellen has been used in England and Scotland since the Middle Ages and is especially common in Scandinavia. Well-known bearers include the comedian Ellen DeGeneres and the Swedish-born writer Ellen Key.
Is Ellen a religious name?
Ellen has no strong religious association, although Helen recalls Saint Helena, mother of the emperor Constantine.
How popular is Ellen?
A steady classic, popular in the Netherlands and Scandinavia.
Gifts with the name Ellen
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Spellings and variants of Ellen
Names similar to Ellen
More girl names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ellen mean?
Ellen means 'Form of Helen; often 'light''. It is of Greek, via English origin.
Does Ellen have a religious meaning?
Ellen has no strong religious association, although Helen recalls Saint Helena, mother of the emperor Constantine.
How do you pronounce Ellen?
Ellen is pronounced EL-un.
Is Ellen a boy or girl name?
Ellen is usually a girl name.