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