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boy name · Hebrew origin

Elijah

/ ee-LY-juh /
Boy Hebrew 3 syllables
Meaning
Elijah means Yahweh is my God (Hebrew).
Gender
Boy
Origin
Hebrew
Pronunciation
ee-LY-juh
Popularity
#7 · U.S. boys (2025)
Popularity of Elijah in the US, 1880–2025
18801900192019401960198020002020

Elijah first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 2011, when 14,001 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 11,111.

Source: US Social Security Administration.

What does Elijah mean?

Elijah is from the Hebrew Eliyyahu, “Yahweh is my God.” The prophet Elijah is a major figure in the Hebrew Bible.

Nicknames for Elijah

Variants & spellings

  • Elias
  • Eliyahu

Names like Elijah

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Elijah mean?

Elijah means Yahweh is my God. Elijah is from the Hebrew Eliyyahu, “Yahweh is my God.” The prophet Elijah is a major figure in the Hebrew Bible.

What is the origin of the name Elijah?

Elijah is of Hebrew origin.

How do you pronounce Elijah?

Elijah is pronounced “ee-LY-juh.”

Is Elijah a boy or a girl name?

Elijah is most commonly used as a boy name.

How popular is the name Elijah?

In 2025, Elijah ranked #7 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.

When was the name Elijah most popular?

Elijah was most popular in 2011, when about 14,001 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.

What are common nicknames for Elijah?

Common nicknames for Elijah include Eli, Lijah.