Elias
Elias is a boy name of Greek / Scandinavian (form of Elijah) origin meaning “The Lord is my God”, pronounced ee-LY-us. It ranked #13 in the United States in 2025, given to 8,837 babies, and peaked at #13 in 2025. Common nicknames: Eli, Els.
How popular is Elias 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 Elias mean, and where does it come from?
Elias is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Elijah ("Eliyahu"), meaning "the Lord is my God," referring to the great prophet of the Hebrew Bible who called down fire from heaven and was said to have ascended in a whirlwind. The name spread widely through Christian Europe, becoming especially common in Scandinavia, Germany, and the Netherlands, before gaining renewed popularity in English-speaking countries as parents sought internationally familiar biblical names. It has become one of the fastest-rising boys' names in the U.S. over the past two decades.
How is Elias used around the world?
Elias is used in 5 languages worldwide, with 18+ international variants.
Female FormElia
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Elias?
Famous People Named Elias
- Elias Pettersson — Swedish NHL forward for the Vancouver Canucks
- Elias Lindholm — Swedish NHL forward
- Elias Canetti — Nobel Prize-winning novelist and essayist
Similar Names to Elias
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Sibling Name Ideas for Elias
Looking for names that pair well with Elias? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Elias mean?
Elias is a boy name of Greek / Scandinavian (form of Elijah) origin meaning "The Lord is my God." Elias is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Elijah ("Eliyahu"), meaning "the Lord is my God," referring to the great prophet of the Hebrew Bible who called down fire from heaven and was said to have ascended in a whirlwind. The name spread widely through Christian Europe, becoming especially common in Scandinavia, Germany, and the Netherlands, before gaining renewed popularity in English-speaking countries as parents sought internationally familiar biblical names.
How do you pronounce Elias?
Elias is pronounced ee-LY-us. Common variations include Elijah, Ellis, Elia.
Is Elias a boy name?
Yes, Elias is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Eli, Els.