The given name Ellison is of English origin, derived from the surname Ellison, which in turn is a patronymic name meaning "son of Ellis". Ellis itself is a medieval English form of the ancient Greek name Elijah, meaning "My God is Yahweh". The name gained popularity in medieval England during the Middle Ages, particularly among Christian families who wished to honor the biblical prophet Elijah.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Ellison can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as a surname. It is believed that the name was first used as a given name in the 13th century, although its usage remained relatively rare until the 16th century.

In terms of historical references, the name does not appear to have any significant mentions in ancient texts or religious scriptures. However, there are several notable individuals throughout history who bore the name Ellison.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Ellison was Thomas Ellison (c. 1490 - c. 1560), an English Roman Catholic priest and martyr who was executed during the English Reformation for refusing to renounce his faith.

Another notable figure was Ellison Brown (1783 - 1856), an American politician and lawyer who served as a United States Senator from Ohio from 1823 to 1825.

In the literary world, Ellison Onizuka (1946 - 1986) was an American astronaut and the first Asian American and the first Hawaiian to reach space. Tragically, he lost his life in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster.

Ralph Ellison (1914 - 1994) was an acclaimed African American novelist and literary critic, best known for his seminal work "Invisible Man", which won the National Book Award in 1953.

Finally, Harlan Ellison (1934 - 2018) was a prolific and award-winning American writer, primarily known for his works in the science fiction and fantasy genres, including the groundbreaking anthology "Dangerous Visions".

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Ellison, showcasing its enduring presence across various fields and cultures.