Elijah

Also spelled: Elias, Élie, Ilyas

אֵלִיָּהוּ(Eliyahu)

Elijah · Elias (Greek, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Scandinavian) · Élie (French) · Ilyas (Arabic, Turkish) · Ilja (Russian)

Pronunciation: ih-LY-jah

♂ Male

Hebrew

Appears in:

Vintage Names

Biblical Names

Meaning

My God is Yahweh

Origin

Hebrew

About Elijah

Elijah carries a distinguished gravitas, a name grounded in ancient Hebrew meaning "My God is Yahweh," yet it feels remarkably fresh and current. This is a name for parents who appreciate a strong, classic foundation but also desire a touch of contemporary appeal. Its journey through Biblical times, the Middle Ages, and a Victorian resurgence speaks to its enduring strength, and unlike many Biblical names, Elijah has a distinctly melodic flow, avoiding any harshness. It’s a versatile choice that resonates across Christian, Jewish, and Islamic traditions, making it a truly cross-cultural classic that feels both familiar and deeply meaningful.

Quick Facts

- Phonetic spelling: ih-LY-jah - Common nicknames: Elias, Élie, Ilyas - Popular in: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia - Rising in popularity

Popularity & Trends

Rarity:

Common

Trend:Rising

Peak decade:2010s

Era:Biblical / Early Christian, Medieval, Victorian, Contemporary

Popular in:United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland

Popularity Trends

Popular in these states (2024)

Elijah ranks in the top 10 in 15 US states.

Is Elijah Right for Your Baby?

Elijah is a Strong, Classic, Biblical name for boys that suits parents looking for something classic and well-established. It works well internationally and is easy to recognise across cultures. Most people will pronounce it correctly on the first try.

Syllables3

LengthMedium

International UseGlobal

PronunciationEasy

Cultural Associations

Biblical / Christian

Jewish

Islamic / Muslim

Regions Where Elijah Is Used

Middle East

Europe

North America

Name Vibe

Strong

Classic

Biblical

Famous People Named Elijah

Elijah Wood (American actor)
Elijah Muhammad (American religious leader)
Elijah Craig (Baptist preacher, often credited with inventing Bourbon whiskey)
Elijah Blue Allman (American musician, son of Cher and Gregg Allman)

Alternative Spellings & Variants

Eliyahu
Eliahu

Nicknames & Short Forms

Eli

Elijah in different fonts

ElijahDancing Script

ElijahCaveat

ElijahSatisfy

ElijahPacifico

ElijahGreat Vibes

Sibling Name Style

If you like Elijah, you might also like names with these styles:

Biblical names

Classic names

Found in these lists

Saint Kitts and Nevis Boy Names

Irish & Celtic Names

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Boy Names

Sibling Names

Twin Baby Names

Colonial American Names

Frontier Names

Names Starting with El

Preppy Boy Names

Frequently Asked Questions About Elijah

What is the origin and meaning of the name Elijah?

Elijah is a Hebrew name meaning "My God is Yahweh." It has deep roots in ancient religious texts.

Is Elijah a popular name today?

Yes, Elijah is a popular choice in many English-speaking countries and continues to be on the rise.

What does Elijah mean?

Elijah means "My God is Yahweh". It is derived from Hebrew.

What is the origin of Elijah?

Elijah originates from Hebrew. Its cultural origin is Hebrew.

Is Elijah a male or female name?

Elijah is a male name.

How do you pronounce Elijah?

Elijah is pronounced "ih-LY-jah".

What language does Elijah come from?

Elijah comes from Hebrew.

Is Elijah a popular name?

Elijah is considered a common name, and its popularity trend is rising.

What are variants of Elijah?

Variants of Elijah include Elias, Élie, Ilyas.

What are nicknames for Elijah?

Common nicknames for Elijah include Eli.

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