US Popularity Rank: 26158

Origin: French

Meaning: Shining light, torch

Ellin is a girl’s name of Greek or French origin. It may be a variant of the Greek name Helen, meaning “torch” or “shining light,” or of Eleanor, a variant of the Provençal name Aliénor. This name evolved into Eléonore in French, and one of its earliest bearers was Eleanor of Aquitaine. It’s thought that Eleanor was called alia Aenor, or “the other Aenor,” in childhood to distinguish her from her mother Aenor, resulting in the name Aliénor. Ellin is more commonly spelled as Ellen, but this lesser-known, yet equally pretty, spelling is sure to help baby stand out from the crowd.