Elis is a unique and distinctive name of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek word "Eli", which means "my God". The name Elis is often associated with the biblical figure Elijah, who was a prophet in the Hebrew Bible.
The name Elis has been used for centuries, with some variations in spelling and pronunciation across different cultures. In Greece, Elis was traditionally given to boys, while in other countries such as Spain and Portugal, it has been used for both males and females.
Throughout history, several notable figures have carried the name Elis or similar variants. One of the most famous is Elihu Yale, a British merchant and philanthropist who founded Yale University in the United States. Additionally, the Greek city of Elis was named after the river god Eilysios, which is another variant of Elis.
In terms of popular culture, Elis has not been widely used as a character name, perhaps due to its rarity outside of Greece. However, it does appear occasionally in literature and films, such as in the Spanish novel "Elis" by Mercè Rodoreda.
Overall, Elis is an uncommon but memorable name with a strong connection to Greek culture and history. Its meaning, "my God", gives it a profound and reverent tone, making it a suitable choice for parents looking for a distinctive and meaningful name for their child.
The name Elis has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century, with a notable surge in recent years. From just five births recorded in 1911 and again in 1924, the name peaked at 18 births in 2021. The total number of births with the name Elis since 1911 is 260.