Ellie Kemper
'The Office,' 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,' comedic timing
Elizabeth Claire Kemper (born May 2, 1980) is an American actress, comedian, and writer who achieved prominence through her distinctive comedic style and memorable television roles. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Kemper graduated from Princeton University before pursuing a career in entertainment, initially performing in sketch comedy at The Groundlings theater in Los Angeles. She gained widespread recognition through her role as Erin Hannon on NBC's 'The Office' (2009-2013), where her character's enthusiastic naivety and emotional availability provided comic relief and surprising depth to the mockumentary series. Her performance on 'The Office' led to expanded opportunities, culminating in her lead role as Kimmy Schmidt in the Netflix comedy series 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt' (2015-2019), created by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock. In this role, Kemper demonstrated her range, playing a woman adjusting to normal life after being held captive in a bunker, balancing comedy with genuine emotional moments. Beyond these prominent roles, she has appeared in films including 'Bridesmaids' (2011) and various guest appearances on acclaimed shows. Kemper's comedy is characterized by her ability to find humor in vulnerability and to perform physical comedy with confidence. Her career represents the opportunities available to comedians who can balance broad humor with emotional authenticity.
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
Ellen DeGeneres
Talk show host, comedian, LGBTQ+ pioneer, 'Ellen' sitcom star
Eleanor Roosevelt
First Lady, human rights advocate, UN delegate, Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Entertainment
American
1980
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.”