High, ascended, or my God
Ely is a variant of the Hebrew name Eli, meaning 'ascended' or 'high.' It is also associated with the English place name Ely, which historically refers to an 'eel island.' In a biblical context, it shares the spiritual weight of the high priest who mentored Samuel.
Less common today
Ely isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #1,084 in 2005.
US births per 5-year period, 1990βpresent (SSA data).
American contract bridge pioneer
Latin Grammy-winning singer-songwriter
Founder of Callaway Golf Company