Eli
Ascended, elevated — a boy name of Hebrew origin
Popularity of Eli in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Eli
Eli comes from the Hebrew word meaning "ascended" or "my God." In the Old Testament, Eli was the high priest of Shiloh who raised the prophet Samuel in the temple. The name was adopted by the Puritans and has been in continuous use in English-speaking countries since the 17th century. Eli Manning and Eli Whitney helped keep the name in the American consciousness. In recent decades, Eli has climbed steadily in popularity, valued for its brevity, biblical roots, and strong, simple sound.
Eli Around the World
Eli is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 6+ international variants.
TypeUnisex name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Eli
Famous People Named Eli
- Eli Manning — American football quarterback
- Eli Whitney — American inventor of the cotton gin
- Eli Wallach — American actor
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Sibling Name Ideas for Eli
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Eli mean?
Eli is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning "Ascended, elevated." Eli comes from the Hebrew word meaning "ascended" or "my God." In the Old Testament, Eli was the high priest of Shiloh who raised the prophet Samuel in the temple.
How do you pronounce Eli?
Eli is pronounced EE-ly. Common variations include Ely, Elie, Elih.
Is Eli a boy name?
Yes, Eli is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include E.
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