What do you think when you hear this name?

[pocornhat]

Ellen.

Having mentioned it to a couple of people, I can see that they are a bit underwlemed - don't dislike but perhaps think its a bit boring and maybe better as a middle name.

I think its one of those understated, classic names that won't date and really like it and its potential nns of Ellie, Ella, and Nell. Strangely, though, I'm not as keen on Helen.

Can I have your opinions please? Does anyone know any little Ellens? All views welcome.

It is a bit underwhelming. But if that's what you want.....

It's okay. Prefer Helena. Nell is sweet as a nn.

It's classic, timeless, possibly a tad dull but it will stand the test of time and no-one will think it is awful.

I love it. Have taught a couple, both were very polite

I always think Ellen is a very elegant name. It's feminine without being cutesy. I don't know any children with that name but have known two adults. My DD is Elena which I like for similar reasons.

A friend and his partner named their baby girl Ellen last year.

I like it, actually.

I think Ellen is very pretty without being cutesy.

I don't think anything. I wait until a meet a real Ellen and then associate her with that name.

ellen is lovely. Just be aware that she'll no doubt become one of a lot of "Ellie"s when she's older, whether you like it or not.

I'm not sure I'd think much about it either... I know two Ellens who are very different, so don't have one specific association.

I just think of Ellen, the talk show host / lesbian / comedienne / married to Portia Di Rossi.

She seems nice though?

I think of Ellen de Generes too! Who is awesome! But aside from that, I guess I see it as somewhat old-fashioned and not especially exciting or pretty. I love classic names, but classic names that are more beautiful IYSWIM?

I love Ellen and would use it (we're due DC2 soon), however our surname doesn't permit it. V jealous that you can use it!

rather plain and uninspiring

I find it a bit colourless. And there are lots of Ellas and Ellies around.

Nothing unpleasant about it though, if you like it!

I like it, classy and understated. Your DD could be anything she wanted to be and make it fit her with no preconceptions, I think. I know a little Elin, her mum is from Eastern Europe so I don't know if that's a more common spelling there? I like Ellen though, she might end up as Ellie but not if you don't want her to!

Great as a middle name and pretty as a first- I know a few Ellen (or Elen as the case may be here in Wales) and none of them get called Ellie- it's short enough to not need shortening really

I think Ellen the comedienne too

I like it.

I sort of see why somebody would describe it as underwhelming in a sea of Sophias and amelias and Isabellas and Eloises and so on and so on. But I like its simplicity. I also like Jane and Anna and would put Ellen in the same bracket. But not Lilly and not Ella. if that makes any sense. maybe not. but it's my filiing system!

I think Ellen d g too but she's fab so that's not a bad nam
Ds3 would have been elin (welsh) if he had been a girl

Ellen de G is very funny!

I think it's lovely. Simple but classy.

I think of a friend of mine from school. It's not a name that excites me - I never looked enviously at my friend and wished I'd been called Ellen. The second thought that leaps to mind is the maid from Mary Poppins. I think 'underwhelmed' is probably the right word.

I agree with LouMacca. I really like it (it was on my list for a DD2 only I'm having a DS instead). Also considered Elin.

I really like it! What made me like it is actually the character Ellen Parsons from Damages which is where I got my username from and I also like ellen de generes. I think it's a nice simple name that is pretty without being OTT. Also love Eleanor.