Elijah, a name resonating with religious significance and a gentle strength, has captured the hearts of parents in recent decades. Its journey from relative obscurity to a chart-topping favorite is a testament to its enduring appeal.
Elijah Name Meaning
The name Elijah originates from Hebrew, combining the elements "el" (God) and "yah" (a shortened form of Yahweh). It essentially translates to "My God is Yahweh" or "The Lord is my God." This deeply religious foundation explains its presence across Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. The name is a variant of the ancient Eliyyahu.
In biblical contexts, Elijah is a prominent prophet known for his unwavering faith and dramatic ascension to heaven in a chariot of fire. This powerful imagery contributes to the name’s inherent sense of strength and divine connection. Islamic tradition also recognizes Elijah as a prophet, associated with the Last Judgment. In Judaism, Elijah holds a position as both an archangel and a prophet, further solidifying its religious importance.
While Elijah carries a strong biblical presence, it doesn’t feel as overtly religious as names like Moses or Noah. It strikes a balance between tradition and modernity, contributing to its growing popularity.
Elijah Name Popularity
For much of the 20th century, Elijah remained a relatively uncommon name in the United States. However, around the year 2000, it experienced a dramatic surge in popularity.
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | 215 | 74 | 0.021% |
| 1950 | 395 | 252 | 0.0157% |
| 1990 | 243 | 1,114 | 0.0672% |
| 2000 | 52 | 7,470 | 0.489% |
| 2010 | 18 | 13,891 | 0.9639% |
| 2020 | 4 | 12,861 | 1.0104% |
| 2023 | 5 | 11,503 | 0.8888% |
As the table illustrates, the number of births and percentage of births for boys named Elijah has increased dramatically in the last few decades.
The name entered the top 100 in 1995, the top 50 in 2000, and has remained a top 10 name since 2011. In 2020 and 2021, Elijah even reached rank #4. This rapid ascent reflects a broader trend of parents seeking names with historical roots, gentle sounds, and a touch of exoticism.
The "j" sound in Elijah adds an appealing flair, similar to Urijah or Alejandro, while its familiarity allows it to blend well with classic names like Isaiah and Matthew.
Names Like Elijah
If the sound and style of Elijah appeal to you, consider these alternatives:
Diminutives of Elijah:
- Eli (Hebrew, Ascension)
- Elia (Hebrew, The Lord is my God)
- Elie (Hebrew, God is my help; high; the Lord is my God)
- Ely (Hebrew, High)
- Lige (Hebrew, The Lord is my God)
Variants of Elijah:
- Elias (Hebrew, My God is Yahweh)
- Elihu (Hebrew, My God is He)
- Elija (Hebrew, The Lord is my God)
- Eliot (Hebrew, The Lord is my God)
- Eliyahu (Hebrew, The Lord is my God)
- Eljah (Hebrew, The Lord is my God)
- Elliot (English, My God is Yahweh)
- Ellis (English, My God is Yahweh)
- Elyot (Hebrew, The Lord is my God)
- Elyott (Hebrew, The Lord is my God)
Names that Sound Like Elijah:
- Eleazar (Hebrew, God is my help)
- Eleazer (Hebrew, God is my help)
- Eliakim (Hebrew, God will establish)
- Eliam (Hebrew, God is my nation)
- Elisha (Hebrew, God is my salvation)
- Ilias (Greek, no meaning provided in source)
Similar Names:
- Benjamin (Hebrew, A favorite son)
- David (Hebrew, Beloved)
- Ezekiel (Hebrew, God will strengthen)
- Isaiah (Hebrew, God is salvation)
- Jonah (Hebrew, Dove)
- Joshua (Hebrew, God is salvation)
- Judah (Hebrew, Praise)
- Levi (Hebrew, Joined together)
- Noah (Hebrew, To rest)
- Samuel (Hebrew, Name of God)
Sibling Names for Elijah
Parents who choose the name Elijah often select these names for their other children:
- Kadyn
- Hannah
- Grayson
- Joshua
- Rebekah
- Aurora
- Adler
- Samuel
- Arianna
- Rachell
- Shalom
- Promise
- Mateo
- Jacob
- Micah
- Zacharias
- Khloe
- Martavious
- Lorelei
- Harley
- Elianna
- Ethan
- Anna
- Zachariah
- Ezekiel
- Roselee
- Fauve
- Christopher
- Aiden
- Josiah
- Ian
- Leo
- Lennox
- Lanora