Elijah
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.
Is Elijah popular?
Steady Elijah has held fairly steady over the past decade, after peaking in 2011.
| 2020s | 72,049 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 137,147 | |
| 2000s | 110,421 | |
| 1990s | 34,652 | |
| 1980s | 7,567 | |
| 1970s | 3,400 | |
| 1960s | 1,524 | |
| 1950s | 2,314 | |
| 1940s | 2,399 | |
| 1930s | 2,135 | |
| 1920s | 2,755 | |
| 1910s | 1,963 | |
| 1900s | 725 | |
| 1890s | 704 | |
| 1880s | 856 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
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
- Eli
- Lijah
Variants & spellings
- Elias
- Eliyahu
Names like Elijah
Hebrew names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Elijah
Popular Hebrew names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Elijah
Explore related names
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.
Is Elijah a popular name right now?
Elijah has held fairly steady over the past decade, after peaking in 2011.
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.
What names are similar to Elijah?
Names similar to Elijah include Isaiah, Ezra, Josiah, Levi.
What names go well with Elijah?
Hebrew names that pair well with Elijah include James, Michael, John, David, Mary.