Boy name · Hebrew
Elijah
“my God is Yahweh”
Vibes
Common nicknames
Short-forms and diminutives parents often use for Elijah.
Explore Elijah further
Similar-feel alternatives, or middle-name candidates that pair well with Elijah — both ranked by the same scoring system (vibe overlap, syllable rhythm, origin compatibility).
About the name
Elijah is the Hebrew Eliyahu — "my God is Yahweh" — the fiery prophet who challenged kings and ascended in a whirlwind. It is one of the oldest names in continuous use in the Western world.
The name stayed quietly biblical for centuries before American parents rediscovered it in the 1990s; it has climbed into the top five and holds fourth place in 2024. Elijah Wood gave it screen presence, but the name's music — four syllables that rise and fall like a chant — is what parents fall for.
Elijah offers formality with built-in warmth, and the nickname Eli gives it an everyday register. It pairs best with short, grounded middles (Elijah Cole, Elijah Reed) that balance its length. Its combination of ancient story and lyrical sound places it at the crossroads of Heirloom and Mythological — a name with a narrative already attached.
More Hebrew names
Elijah sits in our Hebrew set — these share its roots.
All Hebrew names →Elijah — common questions
Is Elijah a boy or girl name?
Elijah is traditionally a boy name of Hebrew origin. It ranked #7 among US boys' names in 2025.
What does the name Elijah mean?
Elijah means “my God is Yahweh” of Hebrew origin. Elijah is the Hebrew Eliyahu — "my God is Yahweh" — the fiery prophet who challenged kings and ascended in a whirlwind. It is one of the oldest names in continuous use in the Western world.
Where does the name Elijah come from?
Elijah is Hebrew in origin. The name stayed quietly biblical for centuries before American parents rediscovered it in the 1990s; it has climbed into the top five and holds fourth place in 2024. Elijah Wood gave it screen presence, but the name's music — four syllables that rise and fall like a chant — is what parents fall for.
What are common nicknames for Elijah?
Eli and Lijah — the short-forms parents most often use for Elijah.
How popular is Elijah?
Elijah ranked #7 in US Social Security Administration data for 2025, which puts it solidly in everyday use.
Bring the name into the room
A couple of nice things named Elijah you might want for the nursery.