"my God is father"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
Eliab
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An ancient biblical name meaning God is my father
Hebrew
Jewish
Christian
Ethiopian
Spiritual
Traditional
Strong
Classic
Vintage
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"God is my father"
Origin: Hebrew El + ab
Language: Hebrew
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The Story of Eliab
Eliab is a biblical Hebrew name composed of 'El' (God) and 'ab' (father), meaning 'my God is father' or 'God is my father.' The name appears multiple times in the Hebrew Bible — most notably as the eldest son of Jesse and thus the oldest brother of King David. Eliab was passed over by God when Samuel came to anoint Israel's next king, establishing the famous theme that God looks at the heart, not outward appearance.
Eliab has remained a niche but beloved name in religious communities, particularly among Jewish families and devout Christians who appreciate its deep biblical roots. The growing trend toward rare biblical names has brought it modest renewed interest.
In Ethiopian Jewish communities (Beta Israel), Eliab holds particular significance as a name connecting to the ancient Israelite lineage. The name represents the concept of God as a paternal figure central to Abrahamic faiths.
Historical Record
Eliab first appeared in US Social Security records in 1989.
Over 891 babies have been named Eliab in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Eliab is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #2,443 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Eliab was the eldest of Jesse's eight sons, all reviewed by the prophet Samuel
- The name appears at least 5 times in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament
- In 1 Samuel 16, Eliab was considered for kingship but passed over in favor of David
Eliab in Other Languages
Greek
Ελιαβ
Arabic
إيلاب
Hebrew
אֱלִיאָב
Spanish
Eliab
Popularity Over Time
#2,443
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Eliab
E
Eliab (son of Jesse)
Military
Eldest son of Jesse and oldest brother of King David in the Hebrew Bible
E
Eliab (son of Helon)
Military
Leader of the tribe of Zebulun during the Exodus, mentioned in the Book of Numbers
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #2,443
- Total SSA Count
- 56
- Cultural Origins
- Hebrew Jewish Christian Ethiopian
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Eli
Abe
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, traditional style, extended 2-3 combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Hebrew heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Hebrew heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Eliab
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Eliab
What does the name Eliab mean?
"my God is father" (from Hebrew). "God is my father" (from Hebrew El + ab). Eliab is a biblical Hebrew name composed of 'El' (God) and 'ab' (father), meaning 'my God is father' or 'God is my father.' The name appears multiple times in the Hebrew Bible — most notably as the eldest son of Jesse and thus the oldest brother of King David. Eliab was passed over by God when Samuel came to anoint Israel's next king, establishing the famous theme that God looks at the heart, not outward appearance.
What is the origin of the name Eliab?
Eliab has Hebrew, Hebrew El + ab, Jewish, Christian, and Ethiopian origins. In Hebrew, it means "my God is father". In Hebrew El + ab, it means "God is my father".
Is Eliab a boy or girl name?
Eliab is primarily used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Eliab?
Eliab is currently ranked #2443 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Eliab?
Common nicknames for Eliab include Eli and Abe.
What are good middle names for Eliab?
Popular middle name pairings include Eliab James, Eliab Samuel, Eliab David, Eliab Aaron, Eliab Jonathan, and Eliab Noah.
What are good sibling names for Eliab?
Names that pair well with Eliab as siblings include Elijah, Miriam, Hannah, Samuel, Levi, Naomi, and Abram.
How many syllables does Eliab have?
Eliab has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Eliab a common or rare name?
Eliab is an uncommon name, ranked #2443 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Eliab?
About the Name Eliab
Eliab is a boy name with Hebrew, Jewish, Christian, and Ethiopian origins . The name means "my God is father" in Hebrew .
Eliab is currently ranked #2,443 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Eliab has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Eliab include Eli and Abe. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Eliab include Elias, Elian, Eliam, Eliazar, Eliano . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis