Eli - name meaning and origin

The boy's and girl's name Eli \e-li\ is pronounced EE-lye. It is of Hebrew origin, and its meaning is "ascended; my God; on high". Biblical: Eli was a high priest who judged Israel for 40 years and instructed the boy Samuel. American inventor Eli Whitney; author Elie Wiesel; actor Eli Wallach.

Eli has 4 variant forms: Elie, Eloi, Eloy and Ely.

For more information, see also related names Elliott, Eleazar, Elijah and Elisha.

Baby names that sound like Eli are Ali and Elia.

Eli is a popular male first name and a popular surname (source: 1990 U.S. Census). Displayed below is the baby name popularity trend for the boy's name Eli. Compare Eli with related baby names.