Origin, Meaning, And History Of Eli
Eli is a Hebrew name with biblical origins derived from other biblical names such as Eliezer, Elias, Elisha, and Elijah. It has several meanings, but the most common ones are ‘high,’ ‘elevate,’ or ‘ascent.’ In the Bible, Eli is believed to have been the high priest’s name. The Arabic equivalent of this name is Ali. The name is composed of two parts: ‘El,’ which translates into ‘my God,’ and the following suffix ‘-i,’ which translates into ‘mine.’ This gives the name a powerful and personal meaning, expressing a deep connection with the divine.
Eli is a name that has been used for centuries and still holds religious importance today. The name originates from the God of the Israelites and has been a popular choice among Hebrew communities for generations. In the United States, the name gained popularity among Puritan settlers in the 17th century, and it was commonly used among the Hebrew community in the 1800s.
Its religious connotation, inspired by the idea of being close to God, makes it a meaningful name for many parents. In addition, the name first appears in the Old Testament of the Bible, in the Book of Samuel, which adds to its historical significance.
There are many fictional characters named Eli in various forms of media, each with a unique personality and story. For instance,Eli Thompsonis a character from the TV series Boardwalk Empire who serves as the main character’s younger brother and right-hand man, Nucky Thompson.Eli Lokeris a character from the TV series Lie to Me, who works with Dr. Cal Lightman to detect lies and deception.
Eli Goldis a political strategist in the TV series The Good Wife, who helps the main character, Alicia Florrick, navigate the world of politics and power.Eli Vance, a scientist in the video game series Half-Life, helps the main character, Gordon Freeman, in his quest to defeat an alien invasion.Eli Sundayis a charismatic preacher in the movie There Will Be Blood, who clashes with the main character, oil tycoon Daniel Plainview.
How To Pronounce Eli?
The way you pronounce a name can make all the difference.
Listen to the sound of the name Eli in English.
Famous People With The Name Eli
- Eli WallachAmerican film, television, and stage actor; BAFTA and Emmy award winner
- Eli Whitney Blake, Sr.American inventor, known for invention of mortise lock and stone-crushing machine
- Eli RothAmerican film director, screenwriter, producer, and actor
- Eli Whitney Blake Jr.American scientist, known for invention of the cotton gin
- Eli AbaevAmerican-Israeli basketball player, who played in the Israeli Basketball Premier League
Eli On The Popularity Chart
According to the US Social Security Administration chart, Eli was unpopular during the 1980s and 1990s. Check out this graphic representation for insights on its popularity and ranking.
Popularity Over Time
With more than 8,072 newborns named Eli in 2012, this name reached its peak popularity. Glance through the graph shared here for detailed information.
Source:Social Security AdministrationRank Over Time
The ranking of this name saw its fair share of ups and downs. Here is a graph depicting its growth over time.
Source:Social Security AdministrationNames With Similar Sound As Eli
Here are popular baby names that resemble Eli but have different meanings.
Popular Sibling Names For Eli
If you are looking for some matching sibling names that resonate with Eli, check our suggestions here.
Boy Sibling Names For Eli
Find matching brother names for Eli and create a wonderful team of siblings.
Eilam
Eilan
Eillic
Elad
Eladio
Elais
Elam
Elazar
Elazaro
Elcanah
Girl Sibling Names For Eli
Looking for some suitable sister names for Eli? Check out our collection of beautiful and unique names.
Eila
Eilah
Eilat
Eiliana
Ela
Elaina
Elana
Elandra
Elane
Eldora
Other Popular Names Beginning With E
Looking for more baby names starting with the letter E to resonate with your family’s naming tradition or to rhyme with the sibling names? Find a range of alternative names starting with this letter.
Names With Similar Meaning As Eli
Glance through this list of alternative names that connote devotion to God if you are looking for other options.
Infographic: Know The Name’s Personality As Per Numerology
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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How To Communicate The Name In Other Languages
In Nautical Flags
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In Sign Language
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In Braille Alphabet
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In Morse Code
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Name Numerology For Eli
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the meaning of the name Eli?
The name Eli means ‘elevated’ and ‘my God.’
2. What is the origin of the name Eli?
Eli has Greek and Hebrew origins.
3. How to pronounce the name Eli?
Eli is pronounced as ‘ee-lai.’
4. Is Eli a rare name?
No, Eli is a very popular name for baby boys in the US. The name ranked 69 in 2022 and was most popular in 2013 when it was ranked 43 when a remarkable number of 7943 babies were named Eli (1).
5. Are there any famous or notable people with the name Eli?
Yes, there are several famous personalities named Eli. For example, American inventor Eli Whitney was known for developing the cotton gin and the notion of mass production of interchangeable parts. Another notable mention would be Eli Wallach, the American actor known for his roles in ‘The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly’ and ‘The Godfather Part III.’
6. What are the traits associated with the name Eli?
As per numerology, the name Eli associates with an appealing presence and creative mind. Considering its personality number 3 and soul number 5, people carrying the name may be versatile and adventurers with a knack for opportunities.
References:
- Popularity of name Eli;
https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/
