Middle English word elne comes from Proto-Indo-European *h₂el-, Proto-Germanic *alaną (To breed. To grow. To grow old, to mature.), Proto-Indo-European *Heh₃l-
| Dictionary entry | Language | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| *h₂el- | Proto-Indo-European (ine-pro) | to raise, feed, nourish, beyond, to grow |
| *alaną | Proto-Germanic (gem-pro) | To breed. To grow. To grow old, to mature. |
| *Heh₃l- | Proto-Indo-European (ine-pro) | |
| 𐌰𐌻𐌰𐌽 | Gothic (got) | To grow, be nourished. |
| *alinō | Proto-Germanic (gem-pro) | Elbow. Ell, cubit. |
| eln | Old English (ang) | Ell. |
| *aljaną | Proto-Germanic (gem-pro) | Strength, courage. Zeal, eagerness. |
| ellen | Old English (ang) | Strength, courage, bravery. |
| elle | Middle English (enm) |