Girl Name · Greek Origin
Ellen
Last reviewed: June 2026
Ellen is a girl baby name of Greek origin, meaning "Bright, shining one". It currently sits in the Top 250 tier of US baby names for 2026, and parents who love Ellen often also consider Elowen.
Names like Ellen
Frequently asked about Ellen
What does the name Ellen mean?
Ellen means "Bright, shining one" and is of Greek origin.
What is the origin of Ellen?
Ellen originates in Greek naming tradition.
How do you pronounce Ellen?
Ellen has 5 letters and is most commonly stressed on the first syllable.
Is Ellen a boy's or girl's name?
Ellen is primarily used as a girl's name in US records.
How popular is Ellen in 2026?
In our 2026 popularity tracker, Ellen sits in the Top 250 tier — a popular favorite that still feels personal.
What names are similar to Ellen?
Names that share Ellen's sound and style include Elowen, Elwin, Elwyn, Eileen, Elena.