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- Every January 5
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National Ellen Day arrives every January 5, a special occasion dedicated to celebrating everyone who bears the lovely name Ellen. Make it a memorable day for the Ellens in your life with thoughtful gifts, quality time, and plenty of dancing. Show your appreciation and create joyful moments together!
Want to sponsor National Ellen Day? Learn how
Expected National Ellen Day Deals
While specific National Ellen Day promotions are rare, many brands offer personalized gifts perfect for the occasion. Look for custom jewelry from Etsy or Things Remembered, personalized stationery from Minted, or engraved items from Zazzle. Retailers like Target and Amazon will have deals on self-care products, books, or fashion items that an Ellen might love. Consider gift cards from Starbucks or Bath & Body Works for a treat. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as January 5 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Ellen Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalEllenDay. Share photos and stories celebrating the Ellens in your life, highlighting their unique qualities.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalEllenDay. Create short, fun videos showcasing how you’re celebrating an Ellen, perhaps with a dance challenge or a gift reveal.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalEllenDay. Share heartfelt messages, old photos, or event invites to honor the Ellens in your community.
National Ellen Day Hero
Ellen Swallow Richards
History of National Ellen Day
Few names in the world become so synonymous with a famous figure that the first thing people think of upon hearing them is that particular person. One of these examples is Ellen. If you say that name to someone and ask them what the first thing or person they think of, chances are they will say American comedian, actress, and television personality, Ellen DeGeneres. But, we want to dig a little deeper and discover more about this iconic name and its meaning.
Ellen is an English girl’s name that means ‘torch’ or ‘shining light.’ Ellen has swung in and out of fashion for centuries, a medieval English form of Helen, often alternating with the parent name. Ellen was the more common name in medieval England until Helen overtook her after the Renaissance. In Edith Wharton’s novel “The Age of Innocence,” set at the end of the 19th century, one character wonders why another hasn’t changed her given name to something prettier, like Elaine. A statement few would make today. In popular culture, Ellen is the name of two First Ladies, Arthur and Wilson, and Scarlett O’Hara’s mother in “Gone with the Wind.”
Dame Ellen MacArthur, a solo long-distance yachtswoman, broke the world record for the fastest solo circumnavigation of the globe in February of 2005. Ellen was also the name of Constantine the Great’s mother, a devout Christian credited with discovering the True Cross. It was a popular name in the United Kingdom because of the legend, which has no historical basis that she was born there.
National Ellen Day timeline
“Archæologia” and “The Gentleman’s Magazine” illustrator Ellen Carter is born.
The title is “The Courage to Heal: A Guide for Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse.”
The premiere of Ellen DeGeneres’s talk show, “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” airs in the U.S.
Ellen Pao, a U.S. investor, becomes the interim C.E.O. of the website “Reddit.”
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Ellen Day
Local businesses can celebrate National Ellen Day by offering special promotions or discounts to customers named Ellen, requiring a valid ID. Restaurants might create a special ‘Ellen’s Delight’ dessert or cocktail. Retailers could host a small in-store event with personalized gift options. Consider partnering with a local charity named ‘Ellen’ or one championed by an Ellen in the community to show support beyond commercial incentives.
National Ellen Day FAQs
When is National Ellen Day?
In 2027, National Ellen Day is observed on Tuesday, January 5. This mid-week placement offers a great opportunity for a thoughtful gesture or a small celebration.
How many people are named Ellen?
While its peak popularity has passed, Ellen remains a beloved and classic name. Current estimates suggest there are over 600,000 women named Ellen in the United States, ensuring many individuals to celebrate on this special day.
What are some famous Ellens?
The name Ellen has graced many influential figures across various fields. From historical figures like Ellen Swallow Richards, a pioneering chemist, to contemporary stars, Ellens have left significant marks in science, arts, and public service.
What does the name Ellen mean?
Derived from the ancient Greek name ‘Helene,’ Ellen embodies the qualities of radiance and brilliance. It’s a timeless name that has been popular across cultures and generations, symbolizing clarity and strength.
National Ellen Day Activities
Host a pretend talk show
Inspired by the most well-known talk show and talk show host of our time, Ellen DeGeneres, host your own made-up talk show. You can make it fun by decorating your home like a television set and inviting friends over to have mock interviews as if they were celebrities. Make sure the cameras are rolling to record and post the videos to YouTube, so you and your friends can rewatch it and have some hilarious nights and some wine and delicious food.
Write a poem for a friend named Ellen
In honor of the American poet Ellen Bass, write a poem for a close friend or a partner that you want to impress. Make it even more special by writing it to a friend named Ellen, inspired by the words of a famous author named Ellen. If that isn’t meta, we don’t know what is.
Go boating
To commemorate the achievements of Dame Ellen MacArthur, a solo long-distance yachtswoman who broke the world record for the fastest solo circumnavigation of the globe in 2005, go boating with some friends on National Ellen Day. You don’t have to make it speedy, just take it easy and go and watch the sunset from a yacht.
5 Interesting Facts About Ellen DeGeneres
She’s hosted her show from bed
DeGeneres once hosted her talk show from her hospital while recovering from a torn ligament.
She came out on Oprah
DeGeneres came out on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” in April 1997; a massive platform.
She is always on time
She is known for her punctuality and professionalism.
She wanted to be in “Pulp Fiction”
DeGeneres auditioned for the role of Jody in Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction” but was unsuccessful.
Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient
DeGeneres was awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor in 2016.
Why We Love National Ellen Day
Ellen’s energy inspires us
The name will always be associated with the famous Ellen DeGeneres, which means people will remember it for being cheerful, full of energy and life, and always funny. What better name association can Ellens ask for? There will also always be a funny clip when searching Ellen on YouTube, which is a bonus.
They are the light as their name suggests
Ellen means ‘torch’ or ‘shining light,’ which suggests that you simply can’t name a girl Ellen without giving her the air of light and happiness. We love how this name can conjure up those feelings of warmth and positivity, especially in today’s society, where we need every last bit of light to guide us through difficult times.
It is an easy and unforgettable name
One of our favorite things about the name Ellen is that it is short, easy to remember, and simply rolls off the tongue. It’s a name for a baby or even a quirky pet. Ellen is also an excellent choice for a word association game as there are many things you can associate with the name and those that have been named Ellen who are now famous or infamous.
Social Media Tips for National Ellen Day
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