Of Greek origin.
Ellen is an English variation of the name Helen.
From the Greek name “Ελένη”, Helénē.
Etymology of the name is uncertain.
It is associated with the Greek word for the moon, “σελήνη” – selene- and with Venus, the goddess of love, beauty and desire.
In Greek mythology, Helen was the daughter of Zeus and Leda, Queen of Laconia, also known as “Helen of Sparta”.
Other forms of the name are: Elena, Elin, Helena, Helene, Ellie, Nelly, Elle, Yelena, Leni, Ileana, Lena, Lenka.
Famous bearers are Ellen Barkin, Ellen DeGeneres, Ellen Pompeo, Ellen Page, Ellen Barry, Ellen Burstyn, Ellen Ochoa, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Ellen Baker, Ellen Corby.