How Many People Named Ellie Live in the UK?

As of 2023, approximately 177,500 people in the United Kingdom bear the name Ellie. This figure includes both females and males, as Ellie—traditionally a diminutive of Eleanor, Ellen, or Elizabeth—has seen occasional use as a masculine nickname (e.g., for Elliot).

Popularity Trends

• Peak Popularity: Ellie ranked in the top 20 girls' names in England & Wales throughout the 2000s and 2010s, peaking at #5 in 2009.
• Recent Decline: It has gradually fallen out of the top 30 (ranked ~#35 in 2022), reflecting shifting naming fashions.
• Regional Variation: Consistently popular across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Data Sources

Estimates derive from Office for National Statistics (ONS) birth registration data, extrapolated for the total population including older generations. The name's use as a standalone given name (not just a nickname) has increased since the 1990s.

Whether short for Eleanor or standing alone, Ellie remains a familiar, friendly name across the UK.