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Elly

Girl name · 49 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Elly: 49 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 4 births in 1997.

Elly is most familiar as a warm, friendly diminutive of Eleanor or Ellen, names that trace back through Old French and Provençal to the Greek Helenē, meaning ‘light’ or ‘torch’. The name has been carried by Elly Griffiths, the acclaimed author of the Ruth Galloway mystery series, and Elly Schlein, a prominent Italian politician. While no major places bear the name directly, the Scottish landscape is dotted with place-names like Ellon that share a similar melodic sound. In Scotland, the variant Ellie has become even more popular in recent years, yet Elly retains a timeless, understated charm that appeals to parents seeking a simple but classic choice.

Girl 15 of 52 years

Peak year
19974 babies
Latest (2022)
#7603 babies
Total births
49since 1995
5-year trend
▲ 6%vs prior 5y
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 1997 · 4
Births per year in Scotland. Missing years had a count of 2 or fewer (suppressed by NRS).