Elijah is a name of Hebrew origin, derived from the Hebrew elements 'Eli' meaning "my God" and 'yah' which means "He will." Thus, the full name Elijah means "My God is He who will come." This name has been widely popular throughout history, particularly among Jewish communities.
The name first gained prominence through the biblical figure Elijah, who was a prophet in the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the reign of King Ahab. According to the Old Testament, Elijah was known for his powerful miracles and for challenging the worship of false gods. His story is one of faith, perseverance, and divine intervention.
The name Elijah has since been used by various notable figures throughout history. In the New Testament, Elijah is mentioned alongside Moses as appearing at Jesus' Transfiguration. Additionally, there have been several saints named Elijah, including a fourth-century monk who was known for his ascetic lifestyle and miracles.
In recent years, the name Elijah has become increasingly popular worldwide. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, it has consistently ranked among the top 100 most popular boys' names since 2007. This trend can be attributed, at least in part, to its biblical roots and timeless meaning.
Overall, Elijah is a strong and meaningful name with deep roots in history and religion. Its Hebrew origins provide a rich context for understanding its significance, while its biblical associations give it a powerful and enduring legacy.
The statistics provided show the annual number of births with the name Elijah in the United States from 1880 to 2023. The data illustrates a significant trend towards an increase in popularity over time.
From 1880 to around 1960, the number of births with the name Elijah fluctuated between approximately 50 and 200 per year. However, starting in the late 1960s, there was a noticeable rise in popularity, with the annual number of births with the name Elijah surpassing 300 for the first time in 1974.
The trend continued throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with the number of births with the name Elijah increasing steadily. In 1994, there were over 2,600 births with the name Elijah, marking a significant milestone in its popularity.
In the early 2000s, the name Elijah experienced a surge in popularity, becoming one of the most popular names for boys. Between 2000 and 2014, the number of births with the name Elijah consistently exceeded 13,000 per year, peaking at over 14,000 in 2014.
While there has been some fluctuation since then, the name Elijah remains popular today. In recent years, it has remained among the top 50 most popular names for boys in the United States.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate that while the name Elijah was relatively uncommon throughout much of the 19th and early 20th centuries, its popularity grew significantly over time, particularly from the late 1960s onwards. The name has now been widely adopted across several generations and continues to be popular today.