Eli

♂ Boy

Pronounced EE-lye /ˈiː.laɪ/High

Meaning: Ascent; high; my God — from Hebrew eli (my God) or possibly alah (to ascend)High

In 30 seconds: A short, ancient Hebrew name meaning 'my God' or 'high,' borne by the Biblical high priest Eli. Its crisp two syllables and deep spiritual roots have made it a popular American favorite.

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Origin HighHebrew

MeaningAscent; high; my God — from Hebrew eli (my God) or possibly alah (to ascend)

U.S. rank (2025)#104 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births3,418 boys (0.20% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2012

Total births (all-time)≈ 153,408

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Eli appears in the Hebrew Bible as a high priest and judge of Israel who mentored the young Samuel. The name derives from the Hebrew element meaning 'my God' or 'ascent/high.'

Used since the Puritan era in America, Eli experienced a major revival in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, climbing into the U.S. top 250 boys' names.

Did you know? Eli Yale (1649–1721), a Welsh-born merchant and benefactor, gave his name to Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.

Variations

ElyElie

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Eli Whitney (1765–1825)
American inventor of the cotton gin, which transformed American agriculture.

If you like Eli…

Noah— short Hebrew Biblical name with the same timeless simplicity

Caleb— Old Testament name with the same crisp two-syllable ease

Levi— another short Hebrew name with Biblical roots and modern appeal

Aaron— Hebrew priestly name with the same ancient and contemporary feel

Explore names like Eli

By meaningGod / Divine

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Eli mean?

Eli is a Hebrew name meaning 'my God' or 'high/ascent.' It was borne by a high priest and judge of Israel in the Old Testament.

How do you pronounce Eli?

It is said EE-lye /ˈiː.laɪ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Eli a boy or girl name?

Eli is used almost exclusively as a boy's name.

How popular is Eli?

Eli has been a top-50 U.S. boys' name in recent years, continuing a steady rise.