The name Ellie is a diminutive form of the Hebrew name Eleanor, which means "bright one" or "shining light." The name has its origins in the medieval Provençal form of the Germanic name Alia, derived from the Old High German word "ali" meaning "other."

The name Eleanor first gained popularity in the 12th century when Eleanor of Aquitaine, one of the most powerful and influential figures of the Middle Ages, bore the name. Born in 1122, Eleanor was the Duchess of Aquitaine and later became the Queen of France and England through her marriages to Louis VII and Henry II, respectively.

In the 13th century, the name Ellie emerged as a shortened version of Eleanor, and it was commonly used among English and Scottish families. One notable Ellie from this time was Ellie of Strathearn, a Scottish noblewoman who lived in the late 13th century.

The name Ellie continued to be used throughout the centuries, although it was less common than its longer counterpart, Eleanor. One of the earliest recorded uses of Ellie as a given name was in 1586, when Ellie Calvert was born in England.

In the 17th century, Ellie Gwyn, an English courtier and mistress of King Charles II, became a notable figure in British history. Born in 1650, Ellie was a celebrated actress and one of the first women to appear on the English stage.

Another famous Ellie was Ellie Fay, an American singer and vaudeville performer who was born in 1890 and rose to popularity in the early 20th century.

In more recent times, the name Ellie has gained renewed popularity, with several notable figures bearing the name. Ellie Arroway, the main character in the novel and film "Contact" by Carl Sagan, brought the name into the public eye in the late 20th century.

Overall, the name Ellie has a rich history that spans centuries, from its origins in the medieval Provençal form of the Germanic name Alia to its use by notable figures throughout history, including Eleanor of Aquitaine, Ellie Gwyn, and Ellie Fay.