What does Eli mean?
From the Hebrew, “ascended” or “high.” Eli is a priest in the Book of Samuel.
What does Ezekiel mean?
Ezekiel is from the Hebrew for “God strengthens.”
Eli vs Ezekiel
Which is more popular?
Ezekiel is more popular than Eli today: about 5,091 US babies were given the name Ezekiel in 2025, compared with 3,418 named Eli.
| Eli | Ezekiel | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Ascended, high | God strengthens |
| Origin | Hebrew | Hebrew |
| Gender | Boy | Boy |
| Pronunciation | EE-ly | ih-ZEE-kee-ul |
| Syllables | 2 | 4 |
| First appeared | 1880 | 1880 |
| Peak year | 2012 (8,079) | 2022 (6,053) |
| In 2025 | 3,418 | 5,091 |
| Trend | Steady | Rising |
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Eli
Ezekiel
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Births by decade
| Decade | Eli | Ezekiel |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 26,169 | 33,114 |
| 2010s | 69,900 | 30,377 |
| 2000s | 28,043 | 11,124 |
| 1990s | 8,562 | 3,741 |
| 1980s | 5,455 | 1,522 |
| 1970s | 3,610 | 820 |
| 1960s | 1,323 | 345 |
| 1950s | 1,346 | 416 |
| 1940s | 1,288 | 472 |
| 1930s | 1,592 | 409 |
| 1920s | 2,520 | 514 |
| 1910s | 1,991 | 374 |
| 1900s | 483 | 118 |
| 1890s | 492 | 115 |
| 1880s | 721 | 144 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Eli or Ezekiel more popular?
Ezekiel is more popular than Eli today: about 5,091 US babies were given the name Ezekiel in 2025, compared with 3,418 named Eli.
What is the difference between Eli and Ezekiel?
Eli means Ascended, high (Hebrew origin), while Ezekiel means God strengthens (Hebrew origin).
Which name is older, Eli or Ezekiel?
In US records, Eli first appears in 1880 and Ezekiel in 1880, so Eli has the longer recorded history.