Ellis is a classic English surname that has been used as a given name since the 19th century. The name Ellis is derived from the Old English word Elijah, which means my God is the Lord. Ellis is also a Welsh name, derived from the Old Welsh word Elisedd, which means kindled fire. Ellis is a popular name for boys in the United States, and has been consistently ranked among the top 1000 names for boys since 1880. Ellis is also used as a girl's name, although it is less common. In 2020, it was ranked #706 for girls' names in the US. Ellis has been used as a surname by many notable people throughout history, including the famous American inventor and businessman, Thomas Edison. Ellis Island, located in New York Harbor, was the main immigration station in the US from 1892 to 1954. It was the first stop for millions of immigrants coming to the US, and is now a museum and symbol of the American dream. In fiction, Ellis is the name of a character in the popular video game series, The Last of Us. Ellis is also the name of a character in the novel and movie The Hunger Games, played by actor Woody Harrelson. Ellis has a strong, masculine sound, and is often associated with qualities like strength, courage, and leadership.

The root form of Ellis is Ellis — meaning Benevolent.

Ellis remains a beloved choice, ranking #697 in the US. Timeless appeal across cultures and generations.