Meaning, origin, history
Elly is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "God is my light." It is derived from the Hebrew name Eliyahu, which is composed of the elements 'Eli,' meaning "my God," and 'Yahu,' a shortened form of Yahweh, one of the names of God in the Hebrew Bible. Thus, Elly signifies a person who is illuminated or guided by God.
The name Eliyahu has been used throughout history, notably for the prophet Elijah in the Old Testament, who was known for his courage and zeal for God. However, the shortened form Elly is more modern and has gained popularity as an independent given name rather than a nickname for Eleanor or other longer names.
In recent years, Elly has been embraced by parents around the world seeking unique yet meaningful names for their daughters. It has been popular in countries such as Germany, Sweden, and Finland, among others. While it is not currently among the top 100 most popular names in English-speaking countries like the United States or the United Kingdom, its popularity has been steadily increasing over time.
Overall, Elly is a charming and distinctive name with a profound meaning rooted in ancient Hebrew culture. It offers parents an attractive option for a daughter's name that combines uniqueness with spiritual significance.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Elly since 1880
Total births
4,338
Total since 1880
Peak year
2010
191 births
in 2023
113
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-4%
→
vs previous 5 years