Though an ancient, biblical name, Elijah has skyrocketed in popularity in recent decades. It first joined the top 100 boy names in the U.S. in 1995, and has kept climbing, reaching the top 50 in 2001, and the top 20 in 2010. Elijah has been a top-10 name for boys in the U.S. since 2016, and the 2020 statistics ranked it as the #4 boy name in America.

Name Variations

As it is a biblical name, Elijah has an equivalent in virtually every known language. These include:

Elia (Italian)Elian (Dutch)Elias (Greek)Eliasz (Polish)Élie (French)Eliyahu (Hebrew)Ilija (Croatin)Ilja (Estonian)Iliya (Bulgarian)Ilyas (Arabic)

Similar Names

The name Elias is a variant of the same name, Elias being the name given to the prophet Elijah in Greek and Latin editions of the Bible. The Hebrew word El (God), which forms part of the name Elijah, is also found at the start of other Hebrew names such as Elisha and Eliezer, and at the end of Daniel, Gabriel, Michael, Samuel, etc. Other boy names starting with E:

Edmund Edward Elliot Emilio Emmanuel Eric Evan Everett Ezekiel Ezra

Other boy names from the Old Testament:

Aaron Abraham Benjamin David Jacob Joshua Nathan Noah Reuben Samson Seth

Common Nicknames

Eli can be a name on its own, but is also used as a short form of Elijah, Eliezer, Elizabeth, or Eliana. Elijah can also be shortened to Lijah, Lijey, Lahje, or Jah.

Suggested Sibling Names

Caleb Deborah Elior Gabriel Isaac Leah Mark Matthew Miriam Rose Sarah

Famous People Named Elijah

The biblical Elijah plays a special role in the Jewish celebration of Passover. Observant Jews leave out an extra cup of wine for Elijah during the Passover Seder. It is said that when Elijah returns to this world to join the Seder, it will herald the coming of the Messiah. The New Testament suggests that John the Baptist played the role of a second Elijah, as the forerunner of Jesus Christ. Other Famous Elijahs:

Elijah Craig, 18th century American Baptist preacher, sometimes credited as the inventor of bourbonElijah Cummings, American politician and civil rights advocate who served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1996 until his death in 2019Elijah Holyfield, American football player, son of former world champion boxer Evander HolyfieldElijah Joy, American celebrity vegan chefElijah Kelley, American actor, singer and dancer known for his roles in “28 Days,” “Hairspray,” and “The Wiz Live!“Elijah Lovejoy, American Presbyterian minister, journalist, and abolitionist Elijah Lee, American football player, linebacker for the Cleveland BrownsElijah McCoy, Canadian-born African American inventor and engineerElijah McGuire, American football player, running back for the Kansas City ChiefsElijah Muhammad, born Elijah Poole, former leader of the Nation of Islam, known as the mentor of Malcolm XElijah Pitts, American football player and football coach, best known as a halfback for the Green Bay PackersElijah Wald, American folk blues guitarist and music historianElijah Wood, American actor, known for playing Frodo Baggins in “The Lord of the Rings” film series

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