Ely

♂ Boy

Pronounced EE-lee /ˈiː.li/High

Meaning: A variant of Eli, from the Hebrew word eli meaning my God or height, with strong biblical roots as both a priestly name and a place name in ancient IsraelHigh

In 30 seconds: Ely is a Hebrew name meaning my God or high, a gentle variant of Eli with deep biblical roots and a softly vintage feel that works for modern parents who want classic simplicity.

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Origin HighHebrew

MeaningA variant of Eli, from the Hebrew word eli meaning my God or height, with strong biblical roots as both a priestly name and a place name in ancient Israel

U.S. rank (2024)#3054 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births40 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2009

Total births (all-time)≈ 4,422

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Ely as a given name is closely related to Eli, derived from the Hebrew eli meaning my God or height. In the Old Testament, Eli was the high priest of Shiloh who raised the prophet Samuel. The spelling Ely sometimes also reflects the Welsh pronunciation of the river Ely in Cardiff, Wales.

In the United States, Ely was used as a given name particularly in the 19th century, with notable bearers including American inventor and entrepreneur Ely Whitney Jr. and explorer Ely Parker, a Seneca Nation leader and Civil War officer. The name has seen a quiet modern revival as parents seek short, biblical-sounding names with gentle character.

Did you know? Ely is also the name of a cathedral city in Cambridgeshire, England, built on an island in the fens — its Old English name Elig meant eel island, showing how two entirely different etymologies can produce the same spelling.

Overall data confidence 88%

Behind the Name — Eli — Hebrew etymology shared with ElyU.S. Social Security Administration Baby Names — historical usage data

Variations

EliElieElye

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Ely Samuel Parker (1828–1895)
Seneca leader and Union Army officer on General Grant's staff who became the first Native American Commissioner of Indian Affairs.

If you like Ely…

Eli— the direct standard spelling sharing identical meaning and sound

Elias— same Hebrew root extended to three syllables

Ezra— fellow short Hebrew biblical name with soft sounds

Theo— same two-syllable gentleness and vintage-revival appeal

Frequently Asked

What does the name Ely mean?

Ely means my God or height in Hebrew, sharing its meaning with the biblical name Eli.

How do you pronounce Ely?

It is pronounced EE-lee, two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Ely a boy or girl name?

Ely is used primarily as a boys name, though its gentle sound occasionally makes it a girls choice too.

How popular is Ely?

Ely is an uncommon but historically used name in the United States, with roots in the 19th century and a quiet modern revival.