Ellis
4 synonyms and 0 antonyms for Ellis, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Name — An English surname derived from the given name Elias, and the name of Ellis Island in New York Harbor.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
* As an English surname, from the Middle English personal name Elis, an Old French form of Elias. Compare Elijah, Lias, Ely. Also sometimes from the Elice, a pet form of Elizabeth. * As a Welsh surname, shortened from the personal name Elisse, Elisedd, from the archaic elus (“benevolent, kind”).
Full origin of Ellis →Frequently asked questions
What does “Ellis” mean?
The word “Ellis” means an English surname derived from the given name Elias, and the name of Ellis Island in New York Harbor.
How do you pronounce “Ellis”?
“Ellis” is pronounced EH-lihs (/ˈɛ.lɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “Ellis” in a sentence?
Here is “Ellis” used in a sentence: “Millions of immigrants passed through Ellis Island.”
What part of speech is “Ellis”?
“Ellis” is a name.
Is “Ellis” a common word?
“Ellis” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is Ellis Island?
Ellis Island is a small island in New York Harbor that served as the main immigration station for the United States, where millions of arriving immigrants were processed. It takes its name from a previous owner of the island named Ellis.
What is the origin of the surname Ellis?
Ellis is an English surname derived from the medieval given name Elias, itself a form of the biblical name Elijah. It began as a personal name and later became established as a family surname.
Is Ellis a first name or a surname?
Ellis is used both as a surname, derived from the given name Elias, and as a given first name for boys and girls. It also appears as a place name, most notably in Ellis Island in New York Harbor.