Ellis means benevolent — from the Welsh Elisedd, or it may be a variant of Elias/Elijah. Ellis Island processed twelve million immigrants — the gateway to the American Dream. Bret Easton Ellis wrote American Psycho. Ellis carries the immigrant experience, Welsh benevolence, and the most important island in American immigration history. Two syllables of open-door welcome.
Welsh Elisedd (benevolent) or variant of Elias/Elijah→English Ellis
1
Modern American roots
Ellis comes from the Welsh Elisedd meaning benevolent, or may be a variant of Elias. Ellis Island in New York Harbor processed approximately twelve million immigrants between 1892 and 1954. Bret Easton Ellis wrote American Psycho and Less Than Zero. The name works for any gender.
2
First recorded
Earliest known use: Welsh origins; Ellis Island processed immigrants 1892–1954.
3
Today
Ellis remains a beloved choice, ranking #324 in the US. 55,901 babies have been named Ellis since 1880.
◈ Sources: Behind the Name, Oxford Dictionary of First Names, SSA data
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How popular is Ellis?
2024peak year
Ellis appears in U.S. registration data going all the way back to 1880, when records begin. Its popularity climbed over the following decades. In 2024, 1,250 babies received the name (ranked #273). Today it sits around #324, with roughly 1,443 babies named Ellis each year. Ellis's usage has held roughly steady recently. In total, around 55,901 babies have been registered with this name since 1880.
Year-by-year registrations1880–2024 · U.S. Social Security data
Ellis's Life Path 9 is the humanitarian's number — welcoming all. People named Ellis tend to be benevolent, welcoming, and gifted at opening doors for others.
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Opens doors for others
✦
Benevolent welcome
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Island-gateway energy
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American Dream builder
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Welsh warmth
E5
L3
L3
I9
S1
Sum: 21 → Life path 3
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Personality of Ellis
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Bright & creative
Imaginative, expressive, endlessly inventive.
😊
Magnetic warmth
Their laugh is contagious. People love being near them.
🌈
Eternal optimist
Even in dark moments they find the light.
🗣️
Storyteller
They can describe anything and make it fascinating.
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