Elle is French in origin simply meaning “she”. The name is also considered a derivative of Hellen and a diminutive of Ellen and Eleanor.
It’s interesting to note that this underused gem first showed up on the US. naming graphs in the early 2000s – her rapid popularity sorely attributed to pop culture influence.
Reese, a Harvard Law School bound character plays Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, a 2001 American movie. He plays the role of a rich and smart ethically upstanding law scholar who manages to defeat stereotypes towards blondes.
The name became extremely popular among the youthful population and entered the American naming graphs, claiming a coveted top 1000 status straightaway.
In the past few years, Elle has continued to demonstrate forward momentum up the naming graph – although on levels of mild moderation at best.
Fairly underused, Elle is a gorgeous name – cute for little ones and stylish for an adult.