Elle
/ˈɛl/
Elle is a diminutive of Eleanor and other names beginning with El-, from the Old French and Occitan form of Helen, ultimately from Greek meaning “torch” or “shining.” The name also coincides with the French pronoun elle meaning “she.”
Australian model Elle Macpherson (1964-) brought the standalone form to prominence. The 2001 film Legally Blonde, featuring Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods, gave the name significant exposure in the United States.
Elle peaked at No. 355 in 2019 with 890 births. In 2024 it stands at No. 479 with 642 births, holding well in the top 500.
What the name Elle means
Actress Elle Fanning (1998-) is the most prominent current bearer. The name’s association with the ELLE fashion magazine (founded 1945) adds a layer of glamour to its identity.
One syllable — EL — short, crisp, and unmistakable. Its brevity makes it an ideal name for parents who want something simple, strong, and impossible to shorten further.
Parents drawn to Elle often want a one-syllable name that feels sophisticated and international without being foreign or difficult to pronounce.
Variants include El, Ella (the two-syllable extension), and Ellie. Elle itself is distinct in its single-syllable minimalism among this family of names.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Elle
Elle - similar names
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