Jellinek is a Germanized variant of the Czech name Jelinek meaning "little deer" (diminutive of jelen). When used as a kinnui, it refers to the Biblical allusion to Naphtali. Notable people with the surname include:
Adolf Jellinek (1821 – 1893), an Austrian rabbi and scholar.
Emil Jellinek (1853 – 1918), an automobile entrepreneur, son of Adolf
Max Hermann Jellinek (1868 – 1938), son of Adolf Jellinek
E. Morton Jellinek (1890 – 1963) a psychologist and researcher into alcoholism
Georg Jellinek (1851 – 1911), philosopher
George Jellinek (1919 – 2010), broadcaster, expert in classical music, especially vocal
