Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Eli is a Hebrew name meaning 'ascended' or 'my God'. It has biblical roots, referring to a high priest in the Hebrew Bible. The name has evolved through various forms and retains a strong, spiritual connotation. Eli has gained popularity in modern times, especially in English-speaking countries, and is associated with notable figures in history.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈiːlaɪ/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
Eli is derived from the Hebrew name 'Eli', meaning 'ascended' or 'my God'. In the biblical context, Eli was a high priest and judge of Israel.
Meaning
ascended, my God
Language Evolution
Eli (Hebrew), Eli (Latinized version), Elias (Greek variant), Elijah (related name)
Biblical Background
Eli is a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible, known for mentoring the prophet Samuel.
Historical Usage
The name Eli gained popularity in the English-speaking world in the 19th century, particularly among Jewish communities and later among Christian populations.
Variants & Derivatives
Elie, Elias, Elijah
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Eli is viewed as a strong, classic name that conveys a sense of spirituality and wisdom.
Famous People
Eli Whitney, inventor of the cotton gin, Eli Manning, former professional American football quarterback
📊 Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 8,107 peak births in 2012
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Alaska
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 13 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (18 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 18 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 347th of 7545 | 4,536 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 476th of 6773 | 2,772 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 644th of 7552 | 2,562 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 472nd of 10718 | 4,777 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 349th of 16616 | 10,526 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 120th of 24088 | 52,834 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 58th of 23106 | 70,725 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 6846th of 9107 | 18 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 12526th of 12526 | 5 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 9563rd of 19264 | 51 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 7293rd of 27321 | 160 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 5491st of 35406 | 364 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 4411th of 30306 | 384 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
24.65% 349th/1416 |
17.55% 242nd/1379 |
16.27% 385th/2366 |
53.33% 609th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
28.65% 443rd/1546 |
21.27% 331st/1556 |
23.25% 547th/2353 |
52.29% 809th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
26.45% 589th/2227 |
19.26% 468th/2430 |
28.11% 802nd/2853 |
30.99% 860th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
15.22% 447th/2937 |
10.97% 382nd/3483 |
18.05% 635th/3518 |
9.40% 380th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
7.52% 277th/3685 |
6.15% 275th/4475 |
8.76% 455th/5194 |
5.07% 320th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
2.29% 105th/4582 |
2.44% 126th/5164 |
1.67% 122nd/7313 |
2.02% 151st/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
1.28% 51st/3984 |
1.52% 68th/4487 |
0.81% 55th/6822 |
0.99% 62nd/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - |
64.83% 4095th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
60.69% 4438th/7313 |
59.12% 4412th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- |
100.00% 4487th/4487 |
61.95% 4226th/6822 |
58.24% 3655th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Alaska across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been consistently rising. From 2020-2022, usage has been too falling for male in MidWest, falling for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, too rising for male in South, stalled for female in South, too falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been too falling for male in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, too falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 347th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 476th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 644th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 472nd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 349th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 120th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 58th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 6846th out of 9107 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 12526th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 9563rd out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 7293rd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 5491st out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 4411th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.