Origin
The name Eliah is a variant spelling of Elijah, derived from the Hebrew name אֱלִיָּהוּ (Eliyahu), meaning 'My God is YAHWEH'. Elijah appears in the Old Testament as a prophet and miracle worker. The name has been adopted widely in Christian and Jewish traditions and has variants across different languages, including Elias, Elyas, and Élie.
Meaning
'My God is YAHWEH' — a declaration of faith in the Hebrew divine name. In Australian contexts, it often carries connotations of strength, spirituality, and heritage.
Pronunciation
/ɪˈlaɪə/ or /ɪˈlæɪə/ — Stress typically on the second syllable in Australian English, pronounced as 'ih-LY-ah'. Various pronunciations exist, especially among different cultural groups.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Elias
- Elyas
- Elié
Nicknames
- Eli
- Lijah
Name Days
- 20 July (Feast of Saint Elijah in Western Christianity)
- 6 July (Eid al-Eid in some Islamic traditions, acknowledging the prophet Elias in some cultures)
- 28 August (Māori celebration of Elijah, if applicable)
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with eliah:
- James and Elijah
- Liam and Elijah
- Eli and Noah — sibling names that complement the biblical theme.
Fun Facts
- Elijah is one of the few biblical names not only prevalent among religious communities but also popular among Australian footballers and artists, often conveying a sense of resilience.
- The name Elias has gained popularity in Australia, especially among multicultural communities with Middle Eastern backgrounds.
- Elijah has consistently ranked in Australia's top 50 male baby names over the last decade.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name eliah:
- Spiritual
- Resilient
- Traditional
- Protective
Aesthetic Qualities
The name has a classic, balanced visual appeal, with clean lines suitable for formal and casual contexts in Australian English, often associated with strength and spirituality.
Geographical Distribution
More common in multicultural urban areas such as Sydney and Melbourne, where biblical and Middle Eastern influences are prominent, but also found across the country.
Numerological Significance
Name Number 6 (if counting letters), suggesting harmony, responsibility, and nurturing qualities. These traits relate well to cultural perceptions of the name's biblical roots.
Astrological Connections
Associated with the zodiac sign Leo, which governs leadership and strength, complementing the name's historical and cultural significance in Australia.
Historical Context
Famous bearers include the biblical prophet Elijah, a symbol of prophetic power and spiritual leadership. In Australian literature and media, the name has appeared in various forms, often to evoke depth and resilience. Notable Australians include Elijah Wood (film actor, although American-born, highly popular in Australia) and athletes with biblical or spiritual names.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name adapts well across languages, with equivalents in many European languages, and maintains recognition due to biblical references worldwide. It is usually rendered in Latin script but is transcribed according to language-specific phonetics.
Famous People Named eliah
- Elijah Wood (actor)
- Elijah Clark (Australian Rugby League player)
- Elijah Ho (musician)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
---|---|
2024 | 1 |
2014 | 1 |