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Elli

Girl name · 59 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Elli: 59 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 6 births in 2001.

Of Finnish and Scandinavian origin, Elli began as a diminutive of Elisabet or Elin, rooted in the Hebrew name Elisheva, meaning “my God is an oath” or “God is abundance.” It also stands as an independent name in its own right across the Nordic countries. Notable bearers include Elli Pikkujämsä, a Finnish Olympic cross-country skier, and Elli Kokkinou, a popular Greek singer. There are no widely known places directly named after an Elli, though the name shares its root with the Scottish island of Eilean, drawing from Gaelic for “island.” The name saw a gentle rise in Scotland during the 2000s and 2010s, often chosen as a shorter, sweeter alternative to Ellie or Ella, with a clear Scandinavian lilt that feels modern yet timeless.