Extraordinary Elias: An ever-popular name
Elias is a name that’s rich in history and loved all around the world, making it a great choice for your little one.
With Elias, you’re choosing a name that’s got a story to tell — and it’s one that will stay relevant and distinctive as your child grows.
Pronunciation of the name
Pronouncing Elias is straightforward: ee-LIE-us.
It has three syllables, with the emphasis on the second: LIE.
It rhymes with “rely us,” which can help with pronunciation. Note that it’s commonly mispronounced as ee-LEE-us, so you might need to correct this occasionally.
Origin of the name
Elias, a name with deep historical roots, is a form of Elijah, used in several languages, including Greek, where it appears in the New Testament.
The name is derived from the Hebrew name ‘Eliyahu’ (אֵלִיָּהוּ), meaning “My God is Yahweh.” It is the Greek equivalent of the name Elijah, a prophet in the Northern Kingdom of Israel in the 9th century BC, who plays a significant role in various holy books.
Popularity of the name
The name Elias has witnessed a significant rise in popularity, especially in recent years. It has become a preferred choice for parents seeking a balance of tradition and modernity.
In the United States, the popularity of Elias has shown a remarkable increase over the years. After ranking #189 in 1880 with 0.055% usage, it climbed to #43 in 2022 with 0.359% usage.
Globally, Elias enjoys popularity in various regions, including Austria, Germany and Scandinavia. In 2022, it ranked high in countries like Austria (#4), Finland (#5), Germany (#3), and Sweden (#10), illustrating its widespread acceptance and versatility.
Celebrities with the name
Elias has graced various public figures and fictional characters, which might influence your choice:
- Elias Disney — Father of Walt Disney, highlighting a connection to one of the world’s most creative families.
- Elias Koteas — Canadian actor, known for roles in “The Thin Red Line” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.”
- Elias Boudinot — An early American statesman and President of the Continental Congress.
- Elias Canetti — Nobel Prize-winning Bulgarian-born writer.
- Elias Howe — Inventor of the sewing machine, a pivotal figure in the industrial revolution.
- Elias Pettersson — Swedish professional ice hockey player, showcasing the name in the world of sports.
- Elias Howe Jr. — Inventor of the modern lockstitch sewing machine.
- Elias Kent Kane — First Illinois Secretary of State and a U.S. Senator.
- Elias Loomis — American mathematician.
- Elias Menachem Stein — Renowned American mathematician.
- Élias Youssef Sarkis — Lawyer and President of Lebanon.
Nicknames and variations
Elias offers a wealth of nickname options and variations:
Nicknames
- Eli — A popular, short form.
- Lias — Unique and less common.
- Ely — A modern twist.
Variations
- Elyas — An alternative spelling.
- Ilyas — A variant with a unique touch.
- Elías (Spanish) — Adding a Hispanic flavor.
- Élias (French) — The French version, chic and sophisticated.
- Элиас (Russian) — The Cyrillic rendition, showcasing its global reach.
- Elyas — A contemporary spelling variant, replacing “i” with “y.”
- Eliees — A modern and unique spelling.
Masculine and feminine versions
- Elia (Italian) — A masculine variant, popular in Italy.
- Elisa (Spanish) — A feminine version, widely used in Spanish-speaking countries.
Similar names
If you’re drawn to Elias but still exploring options, consider these names with a similar sound or feel:
- Elijah — Shares the first three letters and a biblical heritage.
- Elliot — Similar in sound, with a gentle yet strong character.
- Elisha — Another biblical name, close in spelling and sound.
- Eliseo — A variation of Arabic origin.
- Ellis — Shares the ‘El’ prefix and has a similar rhythm.
