Bright, shining light
Ellen is the medieval English form of Helen. It was the primary form of the name in England for centuries before Helen was reintroduced as a more formal classical variant. It shares the same etymological root as the Greek word for torch or sunbeam.
Less common today
Ellen isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #209 in 1991.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
Comedian and television host
Actress known for Grey's Anatomy
Academy Award-winning actress
Former President of Liberia and Nobel Peace Prize winner
Astronaut and first Hispanic woman in space
Protagonist of the Alien film franchise · Alien
Countess in The Age of Innocence · The Age of Innocence
Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist
