Elijah

“Hebrew”

American origin · Boy name

♂ 100% boys♀ 0% girls

#5US 2023

11.5kBirths / yr

→Stable

322kAll-time births

📅 Since 1880🏆 26 years in top 1000.76% of births at peak

How to pronounce Elijah

el·EYE·juh

/ɛl.ˈaɪ.dʒə/ · stress on EYE · 3 syllables

“Hebrew”

American origin · Boy name

What does Elijah mean and where does it come from?

Although traditionally a male name, 'Elijah' has also been used as a feminine name in modern contexts, particularly among some communities in the United States. The name is derived from the Hebrew name אֵלִיָּהוּ (Eliyahu), which signifies a strong religious connection. First notable use as a female

Cultural significance

Elijah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of hebrew.

Peak popularity

Reached #4 in 2020 — currently #5 in the US.

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How else can you spell Elijah?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Ellijah

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Elijah?

Elijah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Elijah Grace

How popular is Elijah right now?

Holding steady — currently #5 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#5 · Top 0.01%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#5	11,503	stable · -5% births
2022	#5	12,075	▼ down 1 · -6% births
2021	#4	12,825	stable · -2% births
2020	#4	13,034	▲ up 7 · -5% births
2015	#11	13,651	▲ up 7 · -2% births
2010	#18	13,900	▲ up 13 · +20% births
2005	#31	11,606	▲ up 21 · +55% births
2000	#52	7,470	▲ up 41 · +88% births
1995	#93	3,978	▲ up 150 · +249% births
1990	#243	1,139	▲ up 56 · +67% births
1985	#299	681	▼ down 20 · -10% births
1980	#279	754	▲ up 212 · +187% births
1975	#491	263	▲ up 107 · +43% births
1970	#598	184	▲ up 74 · +51% births
1965	#672	122	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Elijah

Best Year2020Rank #4

Peak Count13,900

Average Rank#268

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1900 - 202328 years

The story of Elijah

Elijah has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It peaked at #4 in 2020, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. More than 322,025 babies have been named Elijah since 1880. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #135 in 1880 to #5 in 2023. Elijah is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.

Names that peaked alongside Elijah in 2020:

Liam Noah Oliver William James

Elijah by decade

Elijah peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	856
1890s	704
1900s	725
1910s	1,963
1920s	2,767
1930s	2,140
1940s	2,402
1950s	2,319
1960s	1,525
1970s	3,428
1980s	7,647
1990s	34,913
2000s	110,771
2010s ★	136,801
2020s	13,064

What are good nicknames for Elijah?

MACEDONIAN

Ile

BULGARIAN

IlianaIlinaIliyana

CROATIAN

Ilinka

GREEK

Iliana

Famous people named Elijah

Elijah (Biblical prophet)

One of the most revered prophets in the Old Testament, known for his confrontation with the prophets of Baal

Elijah Wood

American actor best known for his role as Frodo Baggins in Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings trilogy

Elijah Muhammad

Leader of the Nation of Islam from 1934 to 1975, influential figure in African American religious history

Elijah Cummings

US Congressman from Maryland known for his passionate civil rights advocacy and oversight work

Elijah Blake

American singer-songwriter and R&B artist known for his soulful voice and songwriting talent

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Elijah?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Elijah also consider these

How is Elijah written in other languages?

אֱלִיָּהוּ

Hebrew

What are the girl versions of Elijah?

Iliana BULGARIAN Ilina BULGARIAN Iliyana BULGARIAN Ilinka CROATIAN Iliana GREEK Ilina MACEDONIAN Ilinka MACEDONIAN Ilinka SERBIAN Eliot ENGLISH Eliott ENGLISH Elliot ENGLISH Elliott ENGLISH Ellis ENGLISH Yahweh THEOLOGY

Common questions about the name Elijah

What does the name Elijah mean?

Elijah means "Hebrew" — a name rooted in American 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 Elijah?

Elijah is currently ranked #5 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Elijah?

Elijah originates from American tradition. American 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 Elijah?

Elijah is a three-syllable name pronounced EH0 L AY1 JH AH0. 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 Elijah?

Elijah pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.