Ellen DeGeneres
Talk show host, comedian, LGBTQ+ pioneer, 'Ellen' sitcom star
Ellen Lee DeGeneres (born January 26, 1958) is an American comedian, actress, and former talk show host who became a pioneering figure in LGBTQ+ representation in entertainment. Born in New Orleans and raised in Atlanta, DeGeneres began her comedy career in the 1980s, gradually building a reputation for her observational humor and relatable wit. Her breakthrough came with her sitcom 'Ellen' (1994-1998), which made television history when her character came out as gay in the season 4 episode 'The Puppy Episode,' making it the first time a lead character on a mainstream television show explicitly identified as gay. Though controversial at the time, the episode became a cultural milestone and boosted DeGeneres' public profile significantly. Following the sitcom's conclusion, DeGeneres transitioned to hosting her daytime talk show 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' (2003-2022), which became one of the most popular and awarded talk shows in television history, running for 19 seasons with numerous Emmy wins. Her show became known for celebrity interviews, comedic sketches, and giveaways that made her a household name. Beyond entertainment, DeGeneres became an influential advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and animal welfare. While her final years hosting the talk show were marked by controversy regarding workplace culture, her pioneering role in LGBTQ+ representation remains historically significant.
Ellie Bamber
'The OA,' dramatic television roles, British actress
Ellie Kendrick
'Game of Thrones,' Meera Reed, British television actress
Ellie Goulding
Pop singer, 'Lights,' 'Burn,' distinctive electronic pop sound
Ellie Kemper
'The Office,' 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,' comedic timing
Eleanor Roosevelt
First Lady, human rights advocate, UN delegate, Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Entertainment
American
1958
Thinking about the name
Ellie
Greek origin
“Originally a nickname for Eleanor (Greek, meaning 'shining light') or Elizabeth ('devoted to God'), Ellie has evolved into a standalone name beloved for its cheerful simplicity and warmth. Its popularity surged in the 2000s, becoming one of the most-used names for girls born in the past two decades. The name perfectly balances friendliness with sophistication.”