Elijah is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "My God is Yahweh." It appears in the Old Testament of the Bible as the name of the prophet who was taken up to heaven by a whirlwind. Traditionally, Elijah is considered one of the greatest prophets in Jewish tradition and is revered as such in Christianity and Islam as well.
The name Elija has been popular among various cultures throughout history. In the Middle Ages, it was used widely among Jews living in Spain and Portugal. During the Protestant Reformation, it became a favorite among Christians due to its biblical associations. Today, Elijah continues to be a beloved name worldwide, with notable bearers including American singer-songwriter Elijah Blue Allman and British actor Elijah Wood.
Overall, Elija is an ancient and significant name with deep roots in Jewish tradition and widespread appeal across different cultures and religions. Its powerful meaning makes it a strong choice for parents seeking a name that carries weight and history.
The name Elija has been given to babies born in the United States for over a century, with fluctuations in its popularity over time. In the early 20th century, the name was given to between five and twelve babies each year from 1913 to 1928. It then became less popular, with only five births recorded annually between 1930 and 1977.
However, since 1977, Elija has seen a resurgence in popularity, with at least seven births recorded each year until the present day. The name reached its peak popularity in recent years, with 56 births recorded in 2008 and 49 births in both 2007 and 2015.
Overall, since 1889, Elija has been given to a total of 1,140 babies born in the United States. This demonstrates that while the name's popularity has waxed and waned over time, it has remained a consistent choice for parents throughout much of the past century.