What does Elias mean and where does it come from?
Elias is a name of biblical origin, derived from the Hebrew name Elijah (אֵלִיָּהוּ). It has been popular in both Greece and Hebrew-speaking countries. The name points to a significant religious and historical legacy, associated with the prophet Elijah in the Bible. Elias has inspired notable figure
Cultural significance
Elias has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of ελίας - 'yahweh is my god'.
Peak popularity
Reached #53 in 2020 — currently #36 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Elias?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Elias?
Elias works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Elias Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Elias Rose
Floral · soft ending
Elias Mae
Sweet · timeless
Elias Claire
French influence · crisp
Elias Jane
Literary · strong
Elias Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Elias right now?
Rising — up 7 spots — currently #36 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #36 | 7,003 | ▲ up 7 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #43 | 6,728 | ▲ up 5 · +6% births |
| 2021 | #48 | 6,349 | ▲ up 5 · +7% births |
| 2020 | #53 | 5,924 | ▲ up 47 · +45% births |
| 2015 | #100 | 4,096 | ▲ up 41 · +45% births |
| 2010 | #141 | 2,827 | ▲ up 46 · +34% births |
| 2005 | #187 | 2,116 | ▲ up 55 · +51% births |
| 2000 | #242 | 1,403 | ▲ up 56 · +58% births |
| 1995 | #298 | 890 | ▲ up 62 · +34% births |
| 1990 | #360 | 666 | ▲ up 51 · +56% births |
| 1985 | #411 | 428 | ▲ up 11 · +11% births |
| 1980 | #422 | 385 | ▲ up 35 · +25% births |
| 1975 | #457 | 307 | ▲ up 82 · +36% births |
| 1970 | #539 | 226 | ▲ up 47 · +33% births |
| 1965 | #586 | 170 | — |
The story of Elias
Elias has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #53 in 2020. A total of 92,659 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #189 in 1880 to #36 in 2023. Elias is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Elias in 2020:
Elias by decade
Elias peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 450 | |
| 1890s | 302 | |
| 1900s | 254 | |
| 1910s | 1,144 | |
| 1920s | 1,766 | |
| 1930s | 1,365 | |
| 1940s | 1,227 | |
| 1950s | 1,553 | |
| 1960s | 1,772 | |
| 1970s | 2,986 | |
| 1980s | 4,503 | |
| 1990s | 8,888 | |
| 2000s | 19,650 | |
| 2010s ★ | 40,868 | |
| 2020s | 5,931 | |
What are good nicknames for Elias?
BULGARIAN
IlianaIlinaIliyana
What names sound and feel like Elias?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Elias also consider these
How is Elias written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Elias?
Common questions about the name Elias
What does the name Elias mean?
Elias means "Ελίας - 'Yahweh is my God'" — a name rooted in Greece tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Elias?
Elias is currently ranked #36 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Elias have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Elias?
Elias originates from Greece tradition. Greece names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Elias?
Elias is a three-syllable name pronounced AH0 L AY1 AH0 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Elias?
Elias pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greece heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.