Eli: meaning of the Hebrew name
אֵלִי
Pronounced eh-LEE
- Unisex
- Hebrew
- #61 in Israel, 2024
Meaning of Eli
In English, Eli can stand for 2 different Hebrew names. Here is what each one means.
אלי Unisex, Hebrew, pronounced eh-LEE, gematria 41
Eli means "my God," an address expressing closeness to God. It is also used as an affectionate short form of Eliyahu and Eliezer, for both boys and girls.
עלי Boy, Biblical, pronounced e-LEE, gematria 110
From aliya, ascent and rising higher. Eli was the priest who served in the Tabernacle at Shiloh and raised the prophet Samuel.
So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk - now Eli the priest sat upon his seat by the door-post of the temple of the LORD;
וַתָּקׇם חַנָּה אַחֲרֵי אׇכְלָהֿ בְשִׁלֹה וְאַחֲרֵי שָׁתֹה וְעֵלִי הַכֹּהֵן יֹשֵׁב עַל־הַכִּסֵּא עַל־מְזוּזַת הֵיכַל יְהֹוָה׃
Eli in Hebrew
Eli stands for different Hebrew names: אלי ("my God"), עלי ("ascent"). The most common in Israel is אלי (with vowel points: אֵלִי). Hebrew is read from right to left.
- אAlef
- לLamed
- יYod
Gematria value: 41 (Alef 1 + Lamed 30 + Yod 10)
About אלי
- GenderUnisex
- OriginHebrew
- Meaningmy God
- Pronunciationeh-LEE
- Hebrewאלי
- Syllables2
- Other names spelled Eliעלי
Popularity in Israel
אלי
In 2024, Eli (אלי) ranked #61 among girls' names given to Jewish newborns in Israel (288 babies). Its highest rank in 2014-2024 was #57, in 2023.
All years 2014-2024
| Year | Rank | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 61 | 288 |
| 2023 | 57 | 310 |
| 2022 | 80 | 215 |
| 2021 | 94 | 197 |
| 2020 | 94 | 178 |
| 2019 | 114 | 142 |
| 2018 | 120 | 134 |
| 2017 | 141 | 96 |
| 2016 | 136 | 94 |
| 2015 | - | - |
| 2014 | 134 | 93 |
Source: Israel Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), first names given to Jewish newborns, 2014-2024. Ranks cover the 150 most common names per year.
Similar names
Questions about Eli
What does the name Eli mean?
As אלי: Eli means "my God," an address expressing closeness to God. It is also used as an affectionate short form of Eliyahu and Eliezer, for both boys and girls. As עלי: From aliya, ascent and rising higher. Eli was the priest who served in the Tabernacle at Shiloh and raised the prophet Samuel.
How do you pronounce Eli?
As אלי: Eli is pronounced eh-LEE in modern Israeli Hebrew. As עלי: Eli is pronounced e-LEE in modern Israeli Hebrew. The syllable in capital letters is stressed.
How do you write Eli in Hebrew?
Eli stands for different Hebrew names: אלי ("my God"), עלי ("ascent"). The most common in Israel is אלי (with vowel points: אֵלִי).
Is Eli a biblical name?
Yes. Eli appears in the Hebrew Bible, in I Samuel 1:9 (spelled עלי).
How popular is the name Eli in Israel?
In 2024, Eli (אלי) ranked #61 among girls' names given to Jewish newborns in Israel (288 babies). Its highest rank in 2014-2024 was #57, in 2023. Source: Israel Central Bureau of Statistics.
What is the gematria of Eli?
In gematria, the Hebrew spelling אלי adds up to 41 (Alef 1 + Lamed 30 + Yod 10). In gematria, the Hebrew spelling עלי adds up to 110 (Ayin 70 + Lamed 30 + Yod 10).
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