Elie is a name of Hebrew origin, derived from the word "Eli," which means "my God." It is often used as a shortened form of the name Elijah, which also has Hebrew origins and means "the Lord is my God."
The name Eli has been popular throughout history, with several notable figures carrying this name. One of the most well-known is Eli the High Priest, who appears in the Old Testament of the Bible. He was the father of Samuel, who later became a prophet.
Another famous Eli is Eli Whitney, an American inventor and manufacturer who developed the cotton gin. This invention significantly impacted the economy of the Southern United States during the early 19th century.
In literature, Eli has been used as a character name in several works. For example, in the novel "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy, the main character is simply referred to as "the father," but his given name is Eli.
Overall, Eli is a strong and meaningful name with a rich history that spans across different cultures and time periods. Its Hebrew origins give it a deep root in religious and historical contexts, while its usage in literature adds a touch of creativity and imagination.
"The name Eli saw a significant increase in popularity over time, with a total of 146,165 births recorded between 1880 and 2023. While the number of annual births fluctuated, it began to rise notably around the 1970s, reaching its peak in recent years. For instance, there were over 8,000 births each year from 2010 to 2014, and over 6,000 births annually between 2015 and 2018."