Ely
Meaning: Bright, shining one; light
Origin: Short form of Eleanor, Ellen, or Elaine — ultimately from Greek helios (sun) or Germanic alja (other)
Gender: Boy
Rank in Ireland: #1441
Total births: 15
History: Ely draws its character from Dunmore East, where the blackthorn hedgerows have witnessed centuries of Irish history. The name was strengthened during the Home Rule movement and echoes through the Irish pub tradition. It remains a beloved choice in County Roscommon.
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Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Ireland’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2016) | #713 |
| Babies named Ely in 2016 | 3 |
| Total recorded in Ireland | 15 |
| Peak year | 2013 (5 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #506 |
| Years in records | 2004–2016 (4 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 90 spots |
Frequently asked about Ely
What does the name Ely mean?
Ely means “Bright, shining one; light” from Short form of Eleanor, Ellen, or Elaine — ultimately from Greek helios (sun) or Germanic alja (other) roots.
What is the origin of the name Ely?
Ely has Short form of Eleanor, Ellen, or Elaine — ultimately from Greek helios (sun) or Germanic alja (other) origin. The traditional meaning is “Bright, shining one; light”.
How popular is Ely in Ireland?
Ely ranked #713 in Ireland in 2016 — given to 3 babies that year.
Is Ely a boy or girl name?
Ely is predominantly a boys' name in Ireland — over 90% of Elys in registered births are male.
Is the name Ely rising or falling in popularity?
Ely has fallen 90 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in Ireland — from #623 in 2011 to #713 in 2016.