The nameElijah
Elijah is a boy's name of Hebrew origin meaning "my God is the Lord". The name of a great prophet of the Bible, it has been a top 10 name in the United States since 2016.
- Boy's name
- Hebrew
- Feast day
Meaning
Elijah comes from the Hebrew Eliyahu, made of El, "God", and Yah, a short form of the name of the God of Israel. It means "my God is Yahweh" or "the Lord is my God".
Origin
Hebrew. Elijah is the prophet of the Books of Kings who challenges the prophets of Baal and is taken up to heaven in a chariot of fire. Elias is the Greek and Latin form, Élie the French one.
History
Elijah was used by Puritans in the 17th century, then faded. It returned in the 1990s and became one of the most popular boys' names in the United States, where it entered the top 10 in 2016.
Did you know?
- Elijah Wood played Frodo in The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
- In the Bible, the prophet Elijah is taken up to heaven in a chariot of fire.
Famous people named Elijah
- Elijah, prophet of the Bible
- Elijah Wood, actor
- Elijah McCoy, inventor
- Elijah Muhammad, religious leader
Popularity of the name Elijah
Elijah in the United States
Elijah was most popular in the United States in the 2010s, with 137,406 births over the decade, 37% of all recorded babies named Elijah. Its rise began around 1992, and it peaked in 2011. Half of all babies named Elijah in the United States were born before 2010, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 12,187 births a year.
Elijah in the United Kingdom
Elijah was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2010s, with 12,103 births over the decade, 48% of all recorded babies named Elijah. Its rise began around 2003, and it peaked in 2021. Half of all babies named Elijah in the United Kingdom were born before 2018, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 1,717 births a year.
Elijah in Ireland
Elijah in France
Elijah in Belgium
Elijah in Switzerland
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Elijah
Names from the same generation as Elijah, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Elijah? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Elijah with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Elijah side by side with the name of your choice.
Elijah in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Elijah mean?
Elijah comes from the Hebrew Eliyahu, made of El, "God", and Yah, a short form of the name of the God of Israel. It means "my God is Yahweh" or "the Lord is my God".
What is the origin of the name Elijah?
Hebrew. Elijah is the prophet of the Books of Kings who challenges the prophets of Baal and is taken up to heaven in a chariot of fire. Elias is the Greek and Latin form, Élie the French one.
Is Elijah a girl's or a boy's name?
Elijah is a boy's name.
How popular is the name Elijah?
In 2024, Elijah was the 8th most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 11,171 births.
What are the variants of the name Elijah?
Variants and related names of Elijah include Elia, Elias, Élie, Eliot, Eliott, Elliot, Elliott and Ellis.
What are good sibling names for Elijah?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Isabella, Leah, Madelyn and Olivia for a sister, Benjamin, Isaac, Noah and Micah for a brother.
Who are famous people named Elijah?
Elijah, prophet of the Bible; Elijah Wood, actor; Elijah McCoy, inventor; Elijah Muhammad, religious leader.