Ascended, uplifted, or high
Derived from the Hebrew word 'aly', meaning 'ascended' or 'my God'. In the Old Testament, Eli was the High Priest of Israel and the mentor to the prophet Samuel. It is a concise, ancient name that has seen a significant modern revival.
About 3,418 boys were named Eli in 2025.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
Two-time Super Bowl winning NFL quarterback
Inventor of the cotton gin
Acclaimed American character actor
Film director and actor
Political strategist on The Good Wife · The Good Wife
Physicist and resistance leader in Half-Life 2 · Half-Life 2
The same feel as Eli — far less common.
Hidden gems that stand out.
