Eli
Eli is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning “Ascended, elevated”, pronounced EE-ly. It ranked #104 in the United States in 2025, given to 3,418 babies, and peaked at #43 in 2012. Common nicknames: E.
How popular is 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.
What does Eli mean, and where does it come from?
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.
How is Eli used 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.
What are the nicknames for Eli?
Famous People Named Eli
- Eli Manning — American football quarterback
- Eli Whitney — American inventor of the cotton gin
- Eli Wallach — American actor
Similar Names to Eli
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Sibling Name Ideas for Eli
Looking for names that pair well with Eli? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
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.