What does Elihu mean and where does it come from?
Elihu (אֵלִיהוּ) is a biblical name found in the Old Testament. It is most notably borne by a character in the Book of Job, who is known for his wisdom. The name has seen a resurgence in modern times, particularly in Jewish communities and among those seeking biblical names. Elihu symbolizes an indi
Cultural significance
Elihu has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Israel-speaking communities, where it reflects values of my god is he..
Peak popularity
Reached #558 in 1881 — currently #5514 in the US.
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Related Reading
Israel-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Elihu?
Elihu works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Elihu Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Elihu Rose
Floral · soft ending
Elihu Mae
Sweet · timeless
Elihu Claire
French influence · crisp
Elihu Jane
Literary · strong
Elihu Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Elihu right now?
Rising fast — up 718 spots — currently #5514 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #5514 | 17 | ▲ up 718 · +21% births |
| 2022 | #6232 | 14 | ▼ down 617 · -12% births |
| 2021 | #5615 | 16 | ▼ down 622 · -11% births |
| 2020 | #4993 | 18 | ▲ up 514 · +13% births |
| 2015 | #5507 | 16 | ▼ down 28 |
| 2010 | #5479 | 16 | ▼ down 653 · -6% births |
| 2005 | #4826 | 17 | ▲ up 1105 · +55% births |
| 2000 | #5931 | 11 | ▲ up 6 · +22% births |
| 1995 | #5937 | 9 | ▼ down 1958 · -36% births |
| 1990 | #3979 | 14 | ▲ up 2590 · +180% births |
| 1985 | #6569 | 5 | ▼ down 2316 · -17% births |
| 1970 | #4253 | 6 | ▼ down 1034 · -14% births |
| 1955 | #3219 | 7 | ▼ down 175 |
| 1950 | #3044 | 7 | ▼ down 700 · -30% births |
| 1940 | #2344 | 10 | — |
The story of Elihu
Elihu has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 1,157 total births recorded, Elihu remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #861 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #5514 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Elihu in 1881:
Elihu by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 27 | |
| 1890s | 11 | |
| 1900s | 7 | |
| 1910s | 154 | |
| 1920s ★ | 178 | |
| 1930s | 92 | |
| 1940s | 71 | |
| 1950s | 56 | |
| 1960s | 30 | |
| 1970s | 41 | |
| 1980s | 57 | |
| 1990s | 101 | |
| 2000s | 158 | |
| 2010s | 156 | |
| 2020s | 18 | |
💎With 1,157 total births, Elihu is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Elihu?
What names sound and feel like Elihu?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Elihu also consider these
How is Elihu written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Elihu
What does the name Elihu mean?
Elihu means "My God is He." — a name rooted in Israel 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 Elihu?
Elihu is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Elihu?
Elihu originates from Israel tradition. Israel 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 Elihu?
Elihu is a three-syllable name pronounced EH1 L IH0 HH UW0. 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 Elihu?
Elihu pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Israel heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.