Meaning, origin, history
Eli is a Hebrew name that means "my God." It is derived from the Hebrew word 'El,' which means "God." The name Eli has been used throughout history in various cultures and languages, but it remains most commonly associated with Judaism.
The name Eli first appears in the Bible, where it is the name of several characters. One of the most well-known is Eli, the High Priest who took care of young Samuel, eventually becoming a prophet. This story can be found in the Book of Samuel in the Old Testament. The name Eli has also been used as a shortened form of Elias or Elijah.
In recent years, Eli has become increasingly popular as a given name for boys in English-speaking countries. It is often chosen because of its strong and meaningful Hebrew origin, and it has been used by celebrities such as Eli Manning, a famous American football quarterback, and Eli Roth, an actor and film director.
Overall, the name Eli carries a deep and significant meaning rooted in its Hebrew origins while also being accessible and approachable due to its widespread use across different cultures and languages.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Eli since 1880
Total births
932
Total since 1880
Peak year
2004
42 births
in 2023
29
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+40%
↗
vs previous 5 years