Girl name · English
Ellie
“light; Eleanor diminutive”
Vibes
Explore Ellie further
Similar-feel alternatives, or middle-name candidates that pair well with Ellie — both ranked by the same scoring system (vibe overlap, syllable rhythm, origin compatibility).
About the name
Ellie began as the pet form of Eleanor and Ellen — names rooted in the Greek for "shining light" — and, like Emma before it, outgrew nickname status entirely.
Ellie holds twenty-fourth place in America in 2024 and ranks even higher in Britain, where it has long stood alone.
The name is sunlight in sneakers: informal, bright, impossible to dislike. Parents wanting a formal fallback often register Eleanor and use Ellie from day one. It pairs well with vintage middles (Ellie Mae, Ellie Frances). On our vibe map it is Soft & Dreamy with the porch light on.
More English names
Ellie sits in our English set — these share its roots.
All English names →Ellie — common questions
Is Ellie a boy or girl name?
Ellie is traditionally a girl name of English origin. It ranked #24 among US girls' names in 2025.
What does the name Ellie mean?
Ellie means “light; Eleanor diminutive” of English origin. Ellie began as the pet form of Eleanor and Ellen — names rooted in the Greek for "shining light" — and, like Emma before it, outgrew nickname status entirely.
Where does the name Ellie come from?
Ellie is English in origin. Ellie holds twenty-fourth place in America in 2024 and ranks even higher in Britain, where it has long stood alone.
How popular is Ellie?
Ellie ranked #24 in US Social Security Administration data for 2025, which puts it solidly in everyday use.
Bring the name into the room
A couple of nice things named Ellie you might want for the nursery.