William Boy
WIHL-yuhm
“resolute protector” · Germanic
#9
Alijah
BoyAmerican (modern coinage), Hebrew· “variant of Elijah”
- Meaning
- variant of Elijah
- Origin
- American (modern coinage), Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- uh-LY-juh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #469
- US babies 2025
- 651
- Best rank
- #408 (2021)
- Peak year
- 2021
Meaning and origin of Alijah
Alijah is an American (modern coinage) and Hebrew name that is usually said to mean “variant of Elijah”.
Alijah is a modern variant of Elijah, influenced by the sound of names like Aliyah and Ali. Elijah is the prophet of the Hebrew Bible whose Hebrew name, Eliyahu, means my God is Yahweh. Elijah is revered in Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and the name has long been popular in the English-speaking world. Alijah keeps the same rhythm and meaning while adding a slightly different look, and it has found a following in the United States in recent decades. It sounds warm and spiritual. Eli and Jah are possible nicknames.
Popularity over time
Alijah first appears in US Social Security records in 1987. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 25 different years, starting in 2001. Its best national rank was #408 in 2021, the same year it reached its highest count of 762 babies. In 2025, 651 babies were named Alijah, and it ranked #469 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,027 in 2000, #470 in 2010, and #469 in 2025. Of the 14,231 US boys named Alijah since records began, 41% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 4,176 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Leonidas, Ronin, Royce, Tripp, and Ford.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Alijah ranked highest in New Mexico, Mississippi, and Nevada.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | #195 | 10 |
| Mississippi | #216 | 14 |
| Nevada | #299 | 10 |
| Louisiana | #315 | 16 |
| Florida | #331 | 58 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 94% of US babies named Alijah over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Alijah is usually pronounced uh-LY-juh, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with A and ends in “-ah”.
Middle names for Alijah
A few middle names that flow with Alijah: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Alijah
Similar names
Azariah Unisex
a-zuh-RY-uh
“Yahweh has helped” · Hebrew
#630
Izaiah Boy
eye-ZAY-uh
“Yahweh is salvation” · Hebrew
#635
Hezekiah Boy
hez-uh-KY-uh
“God strengthens” · Hebrew
#485
Zechariah Boy
zeh-kuh-RY-uh
“God remembers” · Hebrew
#856
Jedidiah Boy
jeh-duh-DY-uh
“beloved of the Lord” · Hebrew
#876
Elijah Boy
ih-LY-juh
“my God is Yahweh” · Hebrew
#7
Isaiah Boy
eye-ZAY-uh
“Yahweh is salvation” · Hebrew
#57
Josiah Boy
joh-SY-uh
“Yahweh supports” · Hebrew
#54
Isiah Boy
eye-ZY-uh
“God is salvation; variant of Isaiah” · Hebrew
#1,480
Jonah Boy
JOH-nuh
“dove” · Hebrew
#128
Judah Boy
JOO-duh
“praised” · Hebrew
#178
Messiah Boy
muh-SY-uh
“anointed one” · Hebrew
#207
Lists that include Alijah
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Alijah mean?
Alijah is an American (modern coinage) and Hebrew name that is usually said to mean “variant of Elijah”.
What is the origin of the name Alijah?
Alijah has modern American and Hebrew roots. Alijah is a modern variant of Elijah, influenced by the sound of names like Aliyah and Ali.
Is Alijah a popular name?
Yes. Alijah ranked #469 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Alijah a boy or girl name?
Alijah is mainly a boy's name. About 94% of US babies named Alijah over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Alijah?
Alijah is usually pronounced uh-LY-juh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings