Middle English word elle comes from Proto-Indo-European *al-, Gothic 𐌰𐌻𐌰𐌽 (To grow, be nourished.), Proto-Indo-European *Heh₃l-
| Dictionary entry | Language | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| *al- | Proto-Indo-European (ine-pro) | |
| 𐌰𐌻𐌰𐌽 | Gothic (got) | To grow, be nourished. |
| *Heh₃l- | Proto-Indo-European (ine-pro) | |
| *alinō | Proto-Germanic (gem-pro) | Elbow. Ell, cubit. |
| *aljaną | Proto-Germanic (gem-pro) | Strength, courage. Zeal, eagerness To cause to grow and mature, to fatten. |
| eln | Old English (ang) | Ell. |
| ellen | Old English (ang) | Strength, courage, bravery. |
| ellen | Middle English (enm) |