Ellis is a name of Welsh origin that means "beneficent" or "kindly". It is derived from the Welsh word "eluis", which means "kindness" or "goodness". The name Ellis has been used in Wales for centuries and was often given to children born into families with strong community ties. In some cases, it may have been used as a short form of the Welsh name Elisedd, which is derived from the same root word.
The name Ellis has also been popular among English speakers in other parts of the world. It gained popularity in England during the Victorian era and was often given to boys born into middle-class families. Today, Ellis is still used as a boy's name in many English-speaking countries, although it can also be given to girls.
Some notable people named Ellis include:
* Ellis Island, the famous immigration processing center located in New York Harbor.
* Ellis Wainwright, an American actor known for his roles in films such as "The Notebook" and "Law Abiding Citizen".
* Ellis Parker Butler, an American humorist and short story writer who was active during the early 20th century.
Overall, Ellis is a strong and distinctive name with a meaningful origin. It has been used by people from various backgrounds and has gained popularity over time due to its positive connotations and unique sound.
The name Ellis has a rich history in the United States, with its popularity fluctuating over time as evidenced by the annual birth statistics provided.
In the late 19th century, around 58 babies were named Ellis each year from 1880 to 1882. However, there was a significant increase in the number of births in 1892 with 89 Ellis babies born that year. This trend continued into the early 20th century, with over 100 Ellis babies born annually between 1895 and 1907.
The popularity of the name Ellis peaked in 1912 with 282 births, followed by an even higher number of 391 births in 1913. This marked a significant shift in its usage, indicating that it became more common during this period.
However, after reaching its zenith, the popularity of the name Ellis began to decline. By the mid-20th century, fewer than 500 Ellis babies were born annually. It remained relatively steady until the late 1960s when it dropped below 300 births per year.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of the name Ellis. After falling to its lowest point in modern history with only 153 births in 1972, the number of babies named Ellis began to rise again. By 2016, over 1,000 Ellis babies were born, and this trend has continued into the current decade.
As of 2023, a total of 47,731 babies have been named Ellis in the United States since 1880. This demonstrates the enduring appeal of this classic name across generations.