"the Lord is my God"
Origin: Hebrew via Greek Elias
Language: English
Eliot
Pronunciation: [ EHL-ee-uht ]
Boy Name
#1,377 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
3 Syllables
A literary classic with timeless elegance
English
American
French
Literary
Classic
Sophisticated
Gentle
Meaning & Origin
"Jehovah is God"
Origin: Hebrew Elijah
Language: Hebrew
The Story of Eliot
Eliot is a variant spelling of Elliott, which derives from a medieval diminutive of Elias (the Greek/Latin form of Elijah), meaning 'the Lord is my God' in Hebrew. The name traveled from biblical Hebrew through Greek, Latin, and Old French before becoming an English surname, and later a given name. The single-'t' spelling Eliot gained literary cachet largely through George Eliot.
Eliot and its variants have risen steadily since the 1990s, buoyed by literary associations and the broader trend toward vintage, understated names. The character Eliot Stabler on 'Law & Order: SVU' gave the name a rugged, modern appeal.
The name carries strong literary associations through the pen name of Victorian novelist Mary Ann Evans (George Eliot), and through T.S. Eliot, one of the 20th century's greatest poets. These associations give the name intellectual prestige.
Fun Facts
- George Eliot was the pen name of Victorian novelist Mary Ann Evans
- T.S. Eliot, born Thomas Stearns Eliot, is considered one of the most important English-language poets
Eliot in Other Languages
French
Éliott
German
Eliot
Hebrew
אֵלִיָּהוּ (Elijah)
Italian
Eliot
Spanish
Eliot
Famous People Named Eliot
T
T.S. Eliot
Writer
1888
Nobel Prize-winning poet, author of 'The Waste Land' and 'Four Quartets'
E
Eliot Stabler Fictional
Other
Fictional NYPD detective on 'Law & Order: SVU', played by Christopher Meloni
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #1,377
- Total SSA Count
- 137
- Cultural Origins
- English American French
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Eli
El
Pairs Well With
Eliot James
Eliot Thomas
Eliot Henry
Eliot David
Eliot John
Eliot Charles
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Eliot is also used as a girl name, ranked #21423.
View Eliot as a girl name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Eliot
What does the name Eliot mean?
"the Lord is my God" (from Hebrew via Greek Elias). "Jehovah is God" (from Hebrew Elijah). Eliot is a variant spelling of Elliott, which derives from a medieval diminutive of Elias (the Greek/Latin form of Elijah), meaning 'the Lord is my God' in Hebrew. The name traveled from biblical Hebrew through Greek, Latin, and Old French before becoming an English surname, and later a given name. The single-'t' spelling Eliot gained literary cachet largely through George Eliot.
What is the origin of the name Eliot?
Eliot has Hebrew via Greek Elias, Hebrew Elijah, English, American, and French origins. In Hebrew via Greek Elias, it means "the Lord is my God". In Hebrew Elijah, it means "Jehovah is God".
Is Eliot a boy or girl name?
Eliot is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1377. As a girl name, it is ranked #21423. Eliot is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Eliot?
Eliot is pronounced EHL-ee-uht.
How popular is the name Eliot?
Eliot is currently ranked #1377 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Eliot?
Common nicknames for Eliot include Eli and El.
What are good middle names for Eliot?
Popular middle name pairings include Eliot James, Eliot Thomas, Eliot Henry, Eliot David, Eliot John, and Eliot Charles.
What are good sibling names for Eliot?
Names that pair well with Eliot as siblings include Oliver, Theodore, Hazel, Clara, Milo, and Cora.
How many syllables does Eliot have?
Eliot has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Eliot a common or rare name?
Eliot is an uncommon name, ranked #1377 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Eliot
Eliot is a boy name with English, American, and French origins . The name means "the Lord is my God" in Hebrew via Greek Elias .
Is Eliot a boy or girl name? Eliot is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,377 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #21,423. Eliot is more commonly used as a boy name.
Eliot is currently ranked #1,377 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Eliot has 3 syllables and is pronounced EHL-ee-uht, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Eliot include Eli and El. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Eliot include Elio, Eliott, Elion, Elior, Elios . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.