Ely

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

Ely - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Ely
E-L-Y, is a 3-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of Ely
EE lie
Meaning of Ely
Uplifted or ascent, height, ascend, my god, the lord is my god.
Origin of Ely
The name 'Ely' has multiple origins, making it a truly multicultural name. In Hebrew, 'Ely' is a variant of the name Eli, which means 'ascension' or 'my God'. It can also be a short form of the name Elijah, which means 'Yahweh is my God'. In English, 'Ely' is a variant of the name Elias, which is derived from the Greek name Elias, meaning 'Jehovah is God'. Additionally, in Spanish, 'Ely' is a diminutive form of the name Elizabeth, which means 'pledged to God.'

The earliest known use of the name 'Ely' can be traced back to biblical times. In the Old Testament, Eli was a high priest and judge in Israel. He played a significant role in the story of Samuel, the prophet and last of the judges. Eli's name is associated with wisdom, guidance, and devotion to God.
English Names
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Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Ely
Eli
Elie
Eloi
Popularity of Ely
The popularity of the name 'Ely' has fluctuated over time. In recent years, it has been more commonly used as a given name for both boys and girls. According to Social Security Administration data, 'Ely' ranked as the 1,147th most popular name for boys in 2020. For girls, it ranked as the 1,080th most popular name in the same year.
Ely currently has 18 likes, and is in the top 7% of liked boy's names. The name Calhoun is slightly more popular than Ely.

Etymology of Ely

The etymology of the name 'Ely' can be traced back to different languages. In Hebrew, the name Eli is derived from the root word 'ali', which means 'to ascend' or 'to go up'. This reflects the name's association with spiritual elevation and closeness to God. In English, the name 'Ely' is a variant of Elias, which is derived from the Greek name Elias. The Greek name itself is a transliteration of the Hebrew name Eliyahu, meaning 'Yahweh is my God.'

Cultural Significance of Ely

The name 'Ely' holds cultural significance in various contexts. In Jewish culture, the name Eli is associated with wisdom, leadership, and devotion to God. It is often given to boys as a way to honor the biblical figure Eli, who was known for his righteous character. In Spanish-speaking cultures, the name 'Ely' is often used as a diminutive form of Elizabeth, which is a name with royal connotations.