It is of Greek origin, and the meaning of Ellen is sun ray. Originally a variant of Helen, but now more closely associated with Eleanor. First used as an independent name in the 16th century. Nell is a pet form. English actress Ellen Terry; American actresses Ellyn Burstyn, Ellen Barkin, Ellen DeGeneres.
The days are longer in the summer because our section of the Earth is tilted towards the sun during the summer. Because the tilt of the Earth puts us faces the sun during summer, thus giving us more light. This effect is more and more noticeable the closer to the poles that you go.
Because the summer solstice only happens once every year, cities around the world have come up with their own unique ways on how they will celebrate the longest day of the year. The summer solstice occurs when the Earth tilts 23.5 degrees on its axis and the northern hemisphere is directly facing the sun.