Ellen
“Derived from the Greek Helene, meaning 'bright' or 'shining light,' Ellen became deeply rooted in English culture through saint and literary traditions. A staple of English-speaking countries for centuries, Ellen balances timeless elegance with approachable warmth, conveying both strength and grace.”
Ellen is a name of Greek origin. Derived from the Greek Helene, meaning 'bright' or 'shining light,' Ellen became deeply rooted in English culture through saint and literary traditions. A staple of English-speaking countries for centuries, Ellen balances timeless elegance with approachable warmth, conveying both strength and grace.
A perennial classic, ranked in the top 100 American names for over 150 years; associated with intelligence and modern feminism through Ellen DeGeneres.
The name Ellen has roots in the Greek language tradition. It derives from elements meaning “Derived from the Greek Helene, meaning 'bright' or 'shining light,' Ellen became deeply rooted in English culture through saint and literary traditions”.
Cultural context: A perennial classic, ranked in the top 100 American names for over 150 years; associated with intelligence and modern feminism through Ellen DeGeneres.
As a unisex's name, Ellen carries the character of its Greek heritage while remaining a distinctive and uncommon choice for parents seeking something unique.
Ellen Ripley
FictionalAlien franchise protagonist, sci-fi action hero
Iconic science fiction character from the 'Alien' franchise (1979-present), a brave and resourceful space marine who battles extraterrestrial creatures across multiple films.
From: Alien (1979)
Ellen Page
EntertainmentCanadianActor in 'Juno' and 'Inception,' transgender rights advocate
Canadian actor known for roles in 'Juno' (2007), 'Inception' (2010), and 'The Umbrella Academy' (2019-present), who came out as transgender in 2020 and now goes by the name Elliot Page.
1987 – present
Ellen DeGeneres
EntertainmentAmericanTalk show host, comedian, LGBTQ+ icon
American comedian and television host best known for her long-running daytime talk show 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' (2003-2022), which became one of the most popular talk shows in television history.
1958 – present
Ellen Ochoa
ScienceAmericanAstronaut, first Latina in space, Johnson Space Center Director
American astronaut and first Latina to go to space (1993), mission specialist on four space shuttle missions who later became Director of the Johnson Space Center.
1958 – present
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
PoliticsLiberianPresident of Liberia, Nobel Peace Prize winner, women's rights advocate
Liberian politician and Nobel Peace Prize laureate who served as President of Liberia (2006-2018), working to rebuild the country after civil war and championing women's rights.
1938 – present
Ellen Stewart
EntertainmentAmericanTheater director, founder of La MaMa Theatre Club
American theater director and founder of La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club in New York City, pioneering Off-Off-Broadway theater and nurturing innovative theatrical voices for over five decades.
1919 – 2011
What does the name Ellen mean?
Ellen means "Derived from the Greek Helene, meaning 'bright' or 'shining light,' Ellen became deeply rooted in English culture through saint and literary traditions. A staple of English-speaking countries for centuries, Ellen balances timeless elegance with approachable warmth, conveying both strength and grace.", and is of Greek origin.
Is Ellen a boy or girl name?
Ellen is a unisex name, used for both boys and girls.
What is the origin of the name Ellen?
Ellen is of Greek origin. A perennial classic, ranked in the top 100 American names for over 150 years; associated with intelligence and modern feminism through Ellen DeGeneres.