Elijah is a popular choice in the UK, ranked #23 in 2024. There's a good chance they'll share their name with at least one classmate throughout school.
Origin & Meaning
Hebrew — My God is Yahweh
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UK Rank 2024
#23
US Rank #8
About the Name Elijah
Elijah is currently at its most popular point on record, sitting at UK #23. It has been building momentum steadily rather than spiking suddenly. The name has been a consistent presence in UK records since 1996. It has featured in the UK top 100 for 10 years, demonstrating solid mainstream recognition.
In terms of origin, Elijah is rooted in Hebrew, where it means "My God is Yahweh". Names with strong etymological stories tend to age well — they carry weight beyond fashion cycles.
Elijah is distinctive enough that your child will likely be the only one in both their class and their school — standing out on every register.
It ranks similarly in the US at #8, suggesting broad transatlantic appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the name Elijah
Unlikely. With around 1,661 UK babies named Elijah per year, your child will almost certainly be the only Elijah in his class, and possibly the only one in the whole school.
Elijah has held a stable position around #23 for several years. It reached its recorded peak of #23 in 2024 and has maintained consistent levels since — suggesting lasting rather than trend-driven appeal.
The name Elijah has Hebrew origins and means "My God is Yahweh". Names with clear etymological roots tend to age well — they carry weight beyond fashion cycles and give children a story to tell about their name.
Notable people named Elijah include: Elijah Kipterege — Elijah Chelimo Kipterege is a Kenyan long-distance runner who specializes in the 3000 metres steeplechase.; Elijah Holloway — Elijah Holloway is a British actor, known for portraying the role of Harry Mitchell on the BBC soap opera EastEnders from 2024.; Elijah Dotson — Elijah Dotson is an American professional football running back for the Orlando Storm of the United Football League (UFL)..
Yes — Elijah is very popular in the United States, ranked #8 in 2024. It's a transatlantic favourite used widely on both sides of the Atlantic.
1,661
UK babies named Elijah (2024)
~0.0
Expected classmates with this name (class of 28)
~0.9
In a school of 600
↑ 7 places
Rank change (last 5 years)
🏫 Who else is in the room?
In a typical UK class of 28, highlighted children share the name Elijah
Likely around 1 other Elijah in the class
UK Popularity (1996–2024)
Rank and birth count · ONS official data
US Popularity (2020–2024)
Rank · SSA official data
✨ Similar names to Elijah
Names with a similar style — each with their own classroom story
Elijah Chelimo Kipterege is a Kenyan long-distance runner who specializes in the 3000 metres steeplechase. He finished eleventh at the 2009 World Athletics Final.
Elijah Dotson is an American professional football running back for the Orlando Storm of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football for the Sacramento State Hornets and Northern Colorado Bears.
Elijah Danilo Moore is an American professional football wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Ole Miss Rebels and was selected by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft.
Elijah-Makhi Sarratt, nicknamed "Waffle House", is an American college football wide receiver for the Indiana Hoosiers. He previously played for the Saint Francis Red Flash and James Madison Dukes.
Elijah Brigham Bryant is an American professional basketball player for Hapoel Tel Aviv of the Israeli Ligat HaAl and the EuroLeague. He played college basketball for the Elon Phoenix and Brigham Young Cougars.