Elias
Elias is a boys' name of Greek origin meaning “my God is Yahweh.” It ranked #13 in the United States in 2025. The Greek and Latin form of Elijah, from the Hebrew Eliyahu meaning my God is Yahweh.
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how do you pronounce Elias?
eh-LY-us
where does the name Elias come from?
The Greek and Latin form of the Hebrew Eliyahu — Elijah — joining El, meaning God, with Yah, the divine name. Elias is the spelling used in the New Testament and in most European languages, so it is the same name as Elijah reaching English by a different route.
It has grown in popularity as a sophisticated international alternative to Elijah.
how popular is this name?
Elias has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 146 years since 1880. It peaked at #13 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #13 |
| 2024 | #25 |
| 2023 | #36 |
| 2022 | #43 |
| 2021 | #48 |
| 2020 | #54 |
| 2019 | #60 |
| 2018 | #67 |
| 2017 | #78 |
| 2016 | #93 |
| 2010 | #141 |
| 2000 | #242 |
| 1990 | #361 |
| 1980 | #422 |
| 1970 | #538 |
| 1960 | #601 |
| 1950 | #528 |
| 1940 | #582 |
| 1930 | #451 |
| 1920 | #470 |
| 1910 | #474 |
| 1900 | #477 |
| 1890 | #289 |
| 1880 | #189 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Elias fell outside the top 1,000.
the history of Elias
Because the gospels use the Greek form, Elias was the standard spelling in English bibles for centuries and the usual English given name until Elijah overtook it. It remains the ordinary form across Germany, Scandinavia and much of southern Europe, and it has risen again in the English-speaking world since 2000.
what are the nicknames and variants of Elias?
Nicknames
who are famous people named Elias?
- Elias Howe
- Elias Canetti
what names are similar to Elias?
what names go well with Elias?
Sibling names that share Elias's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Elias
What does the name Elias mean?
Elias means “my God is Yahweh”.
What is the origin of the name Elias?
Elias comes from the Greek naming tradition. Related forms include Elijah, Eliyahu and Ilias.
How popular is the name Elias?
Elias ranked #13 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 2025, at #13, and it has spent 146 years in the top 1,000 since 1880.
Is Elias a boy or girl name?
Elias is primarily a boys' name.
How do you pronounce Elias?
Elias is pronounced eh-LY-us, with 3 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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