Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Elijah

Elijah comes from the Bible; specifically he appears in the first and second Book of Kings. He was an important Israelite prophet in the 9th century B.C. whose purpose was to call Israelites back to the worship of one God (Yahweh) and away from the pagan cults which were gaining popularity at the time. Elijah was called upon by God himself. Fittingly, the name Elijah comes from the Hebrew meaning “Yahweh is God” or “Jehovah is Lord.” He is thought to have played an important role in maintaining the Jewish religion by recognizing just one God. In 2 Kings 2:11, Elijah is taken up to the heavens by a chariot of fire and seen no more. According to Jewish tradition, Elijah is still roaming the earth and will appear when it comes time to announce the Messiah. In Christian tradition, this is probably why they so closely associate John the Baptist (who announced the arrival of Jesus) with Elijah.

All About the Baby Name – Elijah

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME ELIJAH

The number Nine personality represents the completion or ending of the cycle, and a need for perfection. This is the personality that moves from "self" to a greater understanding and compassion for the human condition and the world order. They want to make the world a better place. Nines are capable of great spiritual and humanitarian achievements. They are courageous and fearless, able to fight great battles on behalf of worthy causes. These personalities will not tolerate injustice. They are compassionate people with a strong sensitivity to others. They are able to both educate and inspire. Friendships and relationships are the lifeblood to the Nine, and they place a high value on love and affection. Nines are often exceptionally gifted artistically, and they have a keen imagination and enterprising mind.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME ELIJAH

The name Elijah has never left the U.S. popularity charts as a favorite given name for boys in the past 120 years; although the name has mainly experienced moderate to low popularity levels relative to other boy's names. This all changed in the mid-1990’s, however, when Elijah jumped up onto the Top 100 list of most used baby boy names, and, in the past 10 years, it’s averaged quite high in terms of popularity. The name was essentially brought to America in the 1600’s by Puritan settlers in New England. Elijah also gained prominence in the African-American community in the 1960’s and 70’s among Black Muslims. Today, the name is popular across all groups in the United States as the 13th most common boy's name in 2012. Somehow the name feels darling for a little boy and dignified for an adult. And there’s definitely a “coolness” factor to it, too!

Quick Facts

ON ELIJAH

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

Hebrew

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

11

PRONUNCIATION:

ee-LIE-zha

SIMPLE MEANING:

Yahweh is God

Characteristics

OF ELIJAH

Multi-talented

Intuitive

Oneness

Idealistic

Philanthropy

Independent

Perfection

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Elijah

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME ELIJAH

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Elijah

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME ELIJAH

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Elijah


Popular Songs

ON ELIJAH

Poor Elijah
a song by The Black Crowes

Elijah Rock
a song by Harry Connick, Jr.

Happy Birthday Elijah
a song by The Birthday Bunch

Elijah
a song by Rich Mullens

Elijah's Song
a song by Neil Diamond

Famous People

NAMED ELIJAH

Elijah Muhammad (leader of the Nation of Islam 1934-1975), Elijah Wood (actor)
Elijah Teter (Olympic snowboarder)

Children of Famous People

NAMED ELIJAH

Cher; Octomom;

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME ELIJAH

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Elijah