"the Lord is my God"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English
Elias
Pronunciation: [ uhl-EYE-uhs ]
Does Elias flow with your last name?
The prophet's name, refined through Greek
Greek
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Meaning & Origin
"the Lord is my God"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
"my God is Yahweh"
Origin: Hebrew via Greek
Language: English
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The Story of Elias
Elias is the Greek and Latin form of the Hebrew name Elijah, meaning my God is Yahweh. Elijah was one of the most dramatic figures in the Hebrew Bible — a prophet who called down fire from heaven, was fed by ravens in the wilderness, and was taken up to heaven in a fiery chariot rather than dying. The Greek form Elias passed through Latin into European languages, becoming the standard form in Greek Orthodox, German, Scandinavian, and Spanish traditions.
Elias has been rising in the US since the 2000s, climbing from outside the top 100 to inside the top 80 by the 2020s. It benefits from the popularity of Eli as a nickname and the broader trend toward names ending in -as (Tobias, Matthias, Silas). In Scandinavia and Germany it has been a perennial favorite.
In Eastern Orthodox Christianity, Elias (Elijah) is considered one of the greatest prophets, and Elijah's Day (July 20) is one of the most celebrated feast days in Greece. In Jewish tradition, Elijah is expected to herald the coming of the Messiah — his spirit is honored at Passover seders. In Islam, Ilyas (Elias) is revered as a prophet.
Historical Record
Elias first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 113,872 babies have been named Elias in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Elias is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #25 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Elias is the most common form of Elijah in Scandinavia, where it consistently ranks in the top 10
- The prophet Elijah is the only biblical figure besides Enoch said to have gone to heaven without dying
- Elias Howe invented the modern sewing machine in 1846, revolutionizing the garment industry
Elias in Other Languages
Greek
Ηλίας
Arabic
إلياس
German
Elias
Hebrew
אֵלִיָּהוּ
Finnish
Elias
Spanish
Elías
Swedish
Elias
Popularity Over Time
#25
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Elias
E
Elias Koteas
Actor
1961
Canadian actor known for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Thin Red Line, and Zodiac
E
Elias Canetti
Writer
1905
Bulgarian-born British author who wrote in German, Nobel Prize in Literature winner 1981
E
Elias Howe
Engineer
1819
American inventor who patented the modern lockstitch sewing machine in 1846
E
Elijah the Prophet
Religious
Hebrew prophet Elijah/Elias, known for confronting the prophets of Baal and ascending to heaven in a chariot of fire
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #25
- Total SSA Count
- 7,653
- Cultural Origins
- Greek Scandinavian German Spanish American
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Popular in These States
Top states by rank · 2024
Common Nicknames
Eli
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Elias
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
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Also a Girl Name
Elias is also used as a girl name, ranked #23668.
View Elias as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Elias
What does the name Elias mean?
"the Lord is my God" (from Hebrew). "the Lord is my God" (from Greek). "my God is Yahweh" (from Hebrew via Greek). Elias is the Greek and Latin form of the Hebrew name Elijah, meaning my God is Yahweh. Elijah was one of the most dramatic figures in the Hebrew Bible — a prophet who called down fire from heaven, was fed by ravens in the wilderness, and was taken up to heaven in a fiery chariot rather than dying. The Greek form Elias passed through Latin into European languages, becoming the standard form in Greek Orthodox, German, Scandinavian, and Spanish traditions.
What is the origin of the name Elias?
Elias has Hebrew, Greek, Hebrew via Greek, Scandinavian, German, Spanish, and American origins. In Hebrew, it means "the Lord is my God". In Greek, it means "the Lord is my God". In Hebrew via Greek, it means "my God is Yahweh".
Is Elias a boy or girl name?
Elias is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #25. As a girl name, it is ranked #23668. Elias is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Elias?
Elias is pronounced uhl-EYE-uhs.
How popular is the name Elias?
Elias is currently ranked #25 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Elias?
Common nicknames for Elias include Eli.
What are good middle names for Elias?
Popular middle name pairings include Elias James, Elias Cole, Elias Thomas, Elias Grey, Elias River, Elias John, and Elias Dane.
What are good sibling names for Elias?
Names that pair well with Elias as siblings include Ezra, Tobias, Iris, Silas, Clara, Matthias, and Nora.
How many syllables does Elias have?
Elias has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Elias a common or rare name?
Elias is a very popular name, ranked #25 among boy names in the United States.
What boy names are similar to Elias?
About the Name Elias
Elias is a boy name with Greek, Scandinavian, German, Spanish, and American origins . The name means "the Lord is my God" in Hebrew .
Is Elias a boy or girl name? Elias is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #25 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #23,668. Elias is more commonly used as a boy name.
Elias is currently ranked #25 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Elias has 3 syllables and is pronounced uhl-EYE-uhs, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Elias include Eli. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Elias include Elian, Eliam, Eliab, 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