Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Eli
BoyHebrew· “ascended, uplifted”
- Meaning
- ascended, uplifted
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- EE-ly
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #104
- US babies 2025
- 3,418
- Best rank
- #43 (2012)
- Peak year
- 2012
Meaning and origin of Eli
Eli is a Hebrew name that means “ascended, uplifted”.
Eli is the name of the priest who raised the young prophet Samuel at the sanctuary of Shiloh, as told in the First Book of Samuel. The Hebrew name is usually translated "ascended" or "uplifted". Eli is also widely used as a short form of Elijah, Elias and Elliott, which explains much of its modern appeal. The Puritans used it, and Eli Whitney, the inventor of the cotton gin, is a famous American bearer. It sounds friendly, gentle and simple, and it works well as a first name or as a nickname. It pairs easily with longer middle names.
Other spellings with the same sound: Ely.
Popularity over time
Eli has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #43 in 2012, the same year it reached its highest count of 8,079 babies. In 2025, 3,418 babies were named Eli, and it ranked #104 nationally. That is 52% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #376 in 1920, #575 in 1950, #342 in 1980, #228 in 2000, #65 in 2010, and #104 in 2025. Of the 153,495 US boys named Eli since records began, 46% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 28,043 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Colton, Jace, Dominic, Ayden, and Blake.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Eli ranked highest in Maine, Alaska, and New York.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Maine | #47 | 21 |
| Alaska | #66 | 11 |
| New York | #67 | 248 |
| West Virginia | #74 | 24 |
| Louisiana | #76 | 59 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Eli is usually pronounced EE-ly, with two syllables. It has three letters, starts with E and ends in “-li”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Ely.
Middle names for Eli
A few middle names that flow with Eli: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Eli
Similar names
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Lists that include Eli
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Eli mean?
Eli is a Hebrew name that means “ascended, uplifted”.
What is the origin of the name Eli?
Eli has Hebrew roots. Eli is the name of the priest who raised the young prophet Samuel at the sanctuary of Shiloh, as told in the First Book of Samuel.
Is Eli a popular name?
Yes. Eli ranked #104 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Eli a boy or girl name?
Eli is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Eli?
Eli is usually pronounced EE-ly. 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