Ellora is a unique and captivating name of Sanskrit origin, derived from the ancient Indian language. It is composed of two elements: 'Ella', which means "goddess", and 'Raa', which signifies "song". Therefore, Ellora translates to "Goddess of Song" or "Song of the Goddess".
The name Ellora has a rich historical background in India. It is associated with the famous Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located near Aurangabad in Maharashtra state. These caves are a testimony to Indian art and architecture spanning over 1200 years from the 6th to the 11th century AD. The site contains 34 monasteries and temples dedicated to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, showcasing the harmonious coexistence of these religions during that period.
Ellora is also mentioned in ancient Indian literature such as the Mahabharata, one of the great epic poems of India. In this legendary tale, Ellora is depicted as a wise and powerful queen who plays a significant role in the story's events.
In recent times, Ellora has gained popularity as a given name for girls due to its unique sound, exotic origins, and positive connotations associated with it. It is often chosen by parents looking for distinctive names that honor India's rich cultural heritage while being easy to pronounce and remember. Ellora also appeals to those who appreciate the symbolism of music and divine feminine power represented in its meaning.
In conclusion, Ellora is a captivating name with deep roots in Indian culture and history. Its origins trace back to ancient Sanskrit language elements, and it carries a beautiful and profound meaning that celebrates the goddess and song. The name's association with the iconic Ellora Caves and revered figures from Hindu mythology further enriches its significance, making Ellora an attractive choice for parents seeking distinctive and meaningful names for their daughters.
The name Ellora has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. With only five births recorded each year from 1890 to 1923, it was quite rare during this period.
However, beginning in the 1990s, there was a notable uptick in the number of girls named Ellora. In 1991, eight babies were given this name, and this trend continued with seven births each year from 1992 to 1996. The late 1990s saw further growth, with twelve births in both 1998 and 2000, followed by twenty-one births in 2003.
The early 2000s marked a significant turning point for the name Ellora. From 2006 onwards, there were consistently high numbers of babies named Ellora each year, indicating that it had become a popular choice among parents. Between 2006 and 2015, the number of births ranged from eighteen to fifty-three, demonstrating steady growth.
From 2016 onward, Ellora's popularity has continued to rise sharply. There were forty-nine births in both 2018 and 2019, followed by fifty-three in 2020. The most recent data shows that sixty-six babies were named Ellora in 2023, marking a new high for this name.
In total, there have been 874 births of girls named Ellora in the United States since 1890. While it started as a rare name over a century ago, Ellora has become increasingly popular in recent years and is now one of the more common names given to newborn girls in the country. This trend suggests that Ellora will continue to be a well-known and beloved name for generations to come.