Elijah
Elijah is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning “My God is Yahweh”, pronounced eh-LY-juh. It ranked #7 in the United States in 2025, given to 11,111 babies, and peaked at #4 in 2020. Common nicknames: Eli, Lijah, EJ.
How popular is Elijah 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 Elijah mean, and where does it come from?
Elijah comes from the Hebrew name Eliyahu, composed of "el" (God) and "Yah" (Yahweh), meaning "my God is Yahweh." In the Hebrew Bible, Elijah was one of the most prominent prophets, known for his dramatic confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel and his ascension to heaven in a chariot of fire. The name has been revered across Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, where he is known as Ilyas. After centuries of modest use, Elijah surged in popularity in the 2000s and reached the number-one spot on the US baby name charts in 2016.
How is Elijah used around the world?
Elijah is used in 0 languages worldwide, with 5+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Elijah?
Famous People Named Elijah
- Elijah Wood — American actor (The Lord of the Rings)
- Elijah McCoy — Canadian-American inventor
- Elijah Cummings — American politician and civil rights leader
Similar Names to Elijah
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Sibling Name Ideas for Elijah
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Elijah mean?
Elijah is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning "My God is Yahweh." Elijah comes from the Hebrew name Eliyahu, composed of "el" (God) and "Yah" (Yahweh), meaning "my God is Yahweh." In the Hebrew Bible, Elijah was one of the most prominent prophets, known for his dramatic confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel and his ascension to heaven in a chariot of fire.
How do you pronounce Elijah?
Elijah is pronounced eh-LY-juh. Common variations include Elias, Eliahu, Ilias.
Is Elijah a boy name?
Yes, Elijah is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Eli, Lijah, EJ.