Ellington

Ellington is an English surname that evolved into a given name. It is a locational surname, meaning it was originally given to someone who came from a place called Ellington. The place name 'Ellington' itself is derived from Old English, combining 'Ellis' (a personal name, likely a variant of Elijah or Elisha) with 'tun', meaning 'settlement' or 'town'.

The name gained prominence as a given name, particularly in the United States, largely due to the fame of jazz musician Duke Ellington. Its use as a first name for boys and more recently for girls reflects a trend of using surnames as given names, often to honor family heritage or admired figures. It carries a sophisticated and somewhat artistic vibe.