Eli: Meaning, Origin & Everything You Need to Know
Eli is a Hebrew name meaning 'ascended' or 'high'.
At a Glance
- Pronunciation
- EE-lyeˈiː.laɪ
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Meaning
- Eli is a Hebrew name meaning 'ascended' or 'high'.
- Gender
- Boy's name
- Syllables
- 2
- Nicknames
- Lee, Elly
- US Popularity (2025)
- #104 — 📉 Falling
What Does Eli Mean?
Eli comes from the Hebrew Eli, meaning 'ascended', 'high' or 'uplifted'. It is closely related to the Hebrew word for 'my God', and in the Bible Eli is the priest at Shiloh who trains the young prophet Samuel. It is also used as a short form of Elijah and Elias, which has helped keep it popular.
Eli is a short, strong name with an old-world feel. Eli Whitney, the American inventor of the cotton gin, and the football quarterback Eli Manning have given it an all-American reputation. It has been slipping down the US rankings since the mid-2010s but remains in the top 110.
How Popular Is Eli?
Eli fell from #50 in 2016 to #104 in 2025, losing ground every year since 2022.
Source: US Social Security Administration (SSA) baby name data, ssa.gov/oact/babynames, 2025.
Middle Names That Go with Eli
Classic pairings
- Eli James
- Eli Alexander
- Eli William
- Eli Henry
Modern pairings
- Eli Atlas
- Eli Wilder
- Eli Jasper
- Eli Beckett
One-syllable options
- Eli Reid
- Eli Cole
- Eli Grant
- Eli Blake
Family-name bridges
- Eli John
- Eli Thomas
- Eli David
- Eli Joseph
Names Similar to Eli
If you love Eli, you might also like these names with a similar feel, origin, or sound.
Sibling Names That Go with Eli
💙 Brother names
💗 Sister names
Famous People Named Eli
- Eli WhitneyAmerican inventor of the cotton gin, patented in 1794.
- Eli ManningAmerican football quarterback who won two Super Bowls with the New York Giants.
- Eli WallachAmerican actor known for 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly'.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Eli
Is Eli a boy or girl name?
Eli is primarily a boy's name. It is very rarely used for girls.
How do you pronounce Eli?
Eli is pronounced EE-lye (IPA: ˈiː.laɪ). It has 2 syllables. Common nicknames include Lee, Elly.
Is Eli a Hebrew name?
Eli is of Hebrew origin. Eli is a Hebrew name meaning 'ascended' or 'high'.
What does Eli mean?
Eli is a Hebrew name meaning 'ascended' or 'high'.
Eli comes from the Hebrew Eli, meaning 'ascended', 'high' or 'uplifted'. It is closely related to the Hebrew word for 'my God', and in the Bible Eli is the priest at Shiloh who trains the young prophet Samuel. It is also used as a short form of Elijah and Elias, which has helped keep it popular.
Is Eli a popular name in 2026?
Yes, Eli is a highly popular name. It ranked #104 in the United States in 2025 according to the Social Security Administration. The name is gradually declining in popularity but still firmly mainstream. Eli fell from #50 in 2016 to #104 in 2025, losing ground every year since 2022.
What are good middle names for Eli?
Good middle names for Eli include classic choices like Eli James and Eli Alexander, modern options like Eli Atlas and Eli Wilder, and crisp one-syllable pairings like Eli Reid and Eli Cole. The best middle name depends on your surname and personal style.
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