Elijah

What does the baby name Elijah mean? Learn about what Elijah means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Elijah - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Elijah: E-L-I-J-A-H, is a 6-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of Elijah: i-LIE-jə; i-LIE-zhə; ee LIE jah
Meaning of Elijah: The lord is my god, yahweh is my god, jehovah is god.
Origin of Elijah: The name 'Elijah' can be traced back to ancient Hebrew origins. It finds its roots in the Hebrew name אֵלִיָּהוּ (Eliyyahu), meaning 'my God is Yahweh'. In the Hebrew Bible, 'Elijah' was a prophet who played a significant role in challenging the worship of false gods and promoting the worship of the one true God.; American Names; Australian Names; Biblical Names; British Names; Canadian Names; Celebrity Names; Christian Names; English Names; Hebrew Names; Jewish Names; New Zealand Names
Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Elijah: Eli; Elia; Eliah; Elias; Elihu; Eliot; Eliott; Eliyahu; Elliot; Elliott; Ellis; Elyot; Elyott; Ilias
Popularity of Elijah: Throughout history, the popularity of the name 'Elijah' has experienced fluctuations. In the United States, the name saw a notable rise in popularity during the late 20th century. It reached its peak in the early 2000s and has remained a popular choice for parents ever since. The name's rise in popularity can be attributed to its biblical association and the appeal of its strong and timeless sound.; Elijah currently has 785 likes, and is in the top 1% of liked boy's names. The name Richard is slightly more popular than Elijah.

Etymology of Elijah

As mentioned earlier, the name 'Elijah' has its roots in the Hebrew language. The Hebrew name אֵלִיָּהוּ (Eliyyahu) is a combination of two elements 'Eli', meaning 'my God', and 'Yahweh', the Hebrew name for God. Thus, the name 'Elijah' can be understood as a statement of faith, declaring a personal connection to God.

Cultural Significance of Elijah

The name 'Elijah' holds great cultural significance in various communities. In Jewish tradition, 'Elijah' is considered one of the greatest prophets and is associated with the coming of the Messiah. The Jewish holiday of Passover includes a special cup of wine left untouched for 'Elijah', symbolizing the hope for his return.

In Christian traditions, 'Elijah' is revered as a prophet who foreshadowed the coming of Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, Jesus himself is said to have identified John the Baptist as the embodiment of the spirit of 'Elijah'.