Ellis Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Ellis come from? What does the surname Ellis mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Ellis and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Ellis Origin: What does the last name Ellis mean?
The surname Ellis has Welsh and English origins, with some sources suggesting a French connection from the phrase fleur-de-lis. It is also noted to be a Jewish surname. YourRoots data shows that the surname Ellis first appeared in records from England around the early 13th century. Over time, the Ellis surname spread to the United States, where it became more prominent by the 17th century, surpassing its presence in England.
YourRoots data confirms the widespread distribution of the Ellis surname globally. From the United Kingdom to the United States and beyond, the Ellis name has established itself in various countries, showcasing its extensive reach. This surname's history highlights a blend of Welsh, English, and potentially French origins, reflecting a diverse heritage that continues to resonate in different parts of the world.
Ellis Last Name History: Where did the last name Ellis come from?
Origin of Ellis Surname: Where does the last name Ellis originate from?
According to the data from YourRoots, the surname Ellis first appeared in records from England (United Kingdom) around the early 13th century. It's important to note that this data only reflects the exact spelling of "Ellis" in the YourRoots database and does not consider other possible sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Ellis: How did the Ellis surname history unfold in the early days?
The surname Ellis remained closely associated with England from the 13th through the 15th century, as shown by the YourRoots data. However, by the 17th century, the frequency of Ellis family records had significantly grown in the United States, surpassing those in England. This indicates a considerable spread of the Ellis surname overseas during these centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Ellis surname today?
By the 18th century, the volume of Ellis family records had reached its peak in the United States, indicating a significant presence of the Ellis surname in this country. In the 19th century, the United States still held the highest volume of Ellis records, showing the continued prominence of the Ellis surname in this region. As of the early 21st century, YourRoots data shows the Ellis surname appearing in the United States, but it's important to remember that this data does not necessarily represent the global distribution of the Ellis surname today.
Explore Ellis last name heritage and Ellis surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Ellis Surame?
Nelsan Ellis
Nelsan Ellis (November 30, 1977 – July 8, 2017) was an American actor known for his role as Lafayette Reynolds in the HBO series True Blood. He also appeared in films like "The Butler" and "Get on Up." Ellis received critical acclaim for his performances and won awards for his work. Tragically, he passed away at the age of 39 due to complications related to drug and alcohol abuse.
Lindsay Ellis
Lindsay Ellis (born Nov 24, 1984) is an American author, film critic, and YouTuber known for her insightful video essays on pop culture and media. She gained fame as the Nostalgia Chick on Channel Awesome, creating content on Disney films and literary characters. Her debut novel, Axiom's End, became a New York Times Best Seller in 2020. Ellis co-founded the podcast MusicalSplaining and continues to produce content on platforms like Nebula. Despite facing online harassment, she remains a prominent voice in the online creator community. In her personal life, she is married to Nick Hansen and resides in Long Beach, California.
C. P. Ellis
Claiborne Paul Ellis (January 8, 1927 – November 3, 2005) was an American who transitioned from being a segregationist to a civil rights activist and trade union organizer. Born in Durham, North Carolina, Ellis was once a leader in the Ku Klux Klan before renouncing his membership during a community charrette. His story of transformation and friendship with civil rights activist Ann Atwater has been depicted in various forms of media, including the book "The Best of Enemies" and the film of the same name, where he is portrayed by Sam Rockwell. Ellis's journey serves as a powerful example of overcoming prejudice and embracing unity.
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