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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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Elijah?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
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
Most popular combo · classic
Elijah Rose
Floral · soft ending
Elijah Mae
Sweet · timeless
Elijah Claire
French influence · crisp
Elijah Jane
Literary · strong
Elijah Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Elijah right now?
Holding steady — currently #5 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
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?
BULGARIAN
IlianaIlinaIliyana
Famous people named Elijah
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Elijah (Biblical prophet)
One of the most revered prophets in the Old Testament, known for his confrontation with the prophets of Baal
EW
Elijah Wood
American actor best known for his role as Frodo Baggins in Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings trilogy
EM
Elijah Muhammad
Leader of the Nation of Islam from 1934 to 1975, influential figure in African American religious history
EC
Elijah Cummings
US Congressman from Maryland known for his passionate civil rights advocacy and oversight work
EB
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 2024
Explore →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?
What are the girl versions of Elijah?
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.