Ellison is an English surname that originated in the 13th century. The name Ellison is derived from the Old Norse name 'Eilífr' or 'Eilifr', which means 'ever-defiant' or 'ever-champion'. Ellison is also related to the Old English name 'Elfric', which means 'elf-ruler' or 'wise elf'. The name Ellison has been used as a given name since the 19th century, particularly in the United States. Ellison is a unisex name, although it is more commonly given to boys. The name Ellison has been associated with several notable people throughout history, including: * Ellison Onizuka, an American astronaut who died in the Challenger space shuttle disaster in 1986. * Ellison S. Onizuka, a Japanese-American engineer and astronaut who was a member of the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. * Ralph Ellison, an American novelist and essayist best known for his novel 'Invisible Man'. * Harlan Ellison, an American science fiction writer and editor. In fiction, Ellison is the name of a character in the popular video game series 'Mass Effect'. Ellison is also the name of a character in the 2014 film 'The Guest', played by Dan Stevens. The name Ellison has a strong, masculine sound, with a distinctive 'son' ending. Ellison is a name that has been steadily rising in popularity in recent years, particularly in the United States. In 2020, Ellison was ranked as the 226th most popular boy name in the United States, according to the Social Security Administration. Ellison has also been used as a surname in several notable families throughout history, including the Ellison family of Virginia, who were prominent landowners and politicians in the 18th and 19th centuries. The name Ellison has a strong, bold sound that is often associated with confidence and leadership. Ellison is a name that is easy to spell and pronounce, making it a practical choice for parents who want a simple, yet distinctive name for their child. Overall, Ellison is a name with a rich history and cultural significance, making it a great choice for parents who want a name that is both classic and unique.

The root form of Ellison is Ellison — meaning Son of Ellis.

Ellison remains a beloved choice, ranking #185 in the US. Timeless appeal across cultures and generations.