Origin
The name Elias derives from the Hebrew name אֵלִיָּהוּ (Eliyyahu), meaning 'My God is Yahweh'. It appears in ancient texts such as the Bible, notably as the prophet Elijah. The name has been adopted across Christian cultures, with variants in Greek, Latin, and European languages, historically popular among Christian communities in Australia.
Meaning
Literal translation: 'My God is Yahweh'. In Australian English contexts, it is associated with biblical significance, strength, and tradition, often chosen for its spiritual connotations.
Pronunciation
/ɪˈlaɪəs/ - 'ih-LIE-us' with stress on the second syllable, pronounced clearly in Australian English. esp. in speech, the 's' is often softly articulated.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Elias (original), Eliasz (Polish), Ilías (Greek), Ilyas (Arabic, Turkish).
- Samuel Elias (double name variant).
- No variants in common use in Australia, but regional variants exist in Europe and the Middle East.
Nicknames
- Eli
- Elis
- Lyas
Name Days
- 20 July (Feast of Saint Elias)
- 26 July (Feast of Prophet Elias) in Orthodox traditions. In Australia, these are observed by Christian communities, particularly Greek Orthodox and other Eastern Orthodox groups.
- 01 August (Solemnity of Saint Elias) in Catholic tradition.
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with elias:
- Elias and Samuel
- Elias and Benjamin
- Elias and Noah.
Fun Facts
- Elias was the name of a prominent racing greyhound in Australia in the 1970s.
- The name has been used for several Australian ships and boats, honouring the biblical prophet.
- Elias is a popular name among Greek-Australians, often linked to their Orthodox faith.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name elias:
- Resilient
- Spiritual
- Traditional
- Reliable
Aesthetic Qualities
The name has a balanced, classic appearance, with a symmetrical pattern and a gentle, regal feel in written form, suitable for formal and casual contexts in Australia.
Geographical Distribution
More prevalent in metropolitan areas with large Greek, Lebanese, Turkish, and Middle Eastern communities, such as Sydney and Melbourne, where Christian and migrant influences sustain the name's popularity.
Numerological Significance
Name number 8, associated with power, ambition, and material success in numerology interpretations; aligns with strong leadership qualities in personal characteristics.
Astrological Connections
No specific zodiac or astrological associations, but the name's characteristics are sometimes linked to the Leo or Capricorn signs for traits like leadership and determination.
Historical Context
Elias has been borne by notable Biblical prophets and saints, making it a revered name among Christian communities in Australia. While less common among Indigenous Australians, the name has cultural significance within migrant communities, especially Greek and Middle Eastern Australians. It is also associated with historical figures such as Sir Elias Solomon, an Australian politician in the early 20th century.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name easily adapts across languages, maintaining its core form but often with localized spelling variants (e.g., Ilyas in Turkish and Arabic-speaking communities). In scripts, it is written in Latin, Greek, Arabic, Hebrew, and Cyrillic alphabets as appropriate.
Famous People Named elias
- Elias(Peter Alexander, Australian fashion designer)
- Elias (fictional character, popular in Australian literature)
- Elias (Biblical prophet, religious significance)
Popularity in Australia
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 196 |
| 2023 | 144 |
| 2022 | 170 |
| 2021 | 186 |
| 2020 | 98 |