Ellis is a distinctive boys' name in United States, ranking #759 in 1997 with 196 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2025 with 1,417 births ranking #243. In 1997, approximately 1 in every 9,618 boys born was named Ellis. RISING Recent data shows the name is currently rising.
Ellis is a neat surname-style name with a long and somewhat layered history. Different traditions connect it with different older roots, but modern use is driven mainly by its clean, calm sound.
The name has existed as both surname and given name and now feels thoroughly modern without being newly invented. Its flexibility is part of its appeal, especially for parents who want something simple but distinctive.