Ellis is a given name of English and Welsh origin, ultimately derived from a surname that itself originated from the medieval given name Elis, a vernacular form of Elias (the Latin form of Elijah). The name also functions as an Anglicized form of the Old Welsh name Elisedd. Etymology and History The (h)istory of Ellis begins with the Hebrew name Eliyyahu, meaning "my God is Yahweh," borne by the prophet Elijah in the Old Testament. Through the Greek Elias and Latin Elias, the name entered medieval English usage as Elis. The surname Ellis, patronymic in nature (meaning "son of Ellis"), became common in Wales and England, eventually being transferred back to use as a given name. In Wales, Ellis also represents the Anglicization of Elisedd, a name of possible Welsh origin meaning "kind, benevolent" or derived from elus "alms". Cultural Significance and Notable Bearers Though Ellis originated as a surname—borne by many historical figures such as Jamaican Chief Justice Adam Gibb Ellis and musician Alton Ellis—its use as a first name has grown. In the United Kingdom and United States, Ellis gained modern popularity as a first name for both boys and girls, reflecting its unisex nature. The name appears in popular culture through characters like Ellis from the video game Left 4 Dead 2. Related Forms and Variants Variants and related names include the familiar Elias and Elijah, while the Welsh Elisedd offers an ancient counterpart. Other international forms of Elias include Ilia (Russian), Ilyas (Arabic), and Élie (French). Meaning: "My God is Yahweh" (via Elijah); in Welsh, “kind, benevolent” (Elisedd) Origin: English/Welsh surname transferred to given name Type: Unisex Usage regions: English-speaking world, Wales