Elias is a name of Hebrew origin that means "the Lord is my God." It is derived from the Hebrew name Elijah, which was popular among the Israelites in ancient times and is still used today.
The name Elias has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous is Elias the Prophet, who appeared in the Bible as a fiery prophet who opposed the worship of false idols. He is also known for his dramatic confrontation with King Ahab on Mount Carmel, where he called down fire from heaven to consume a sacrifice.
Another famous Elias was Elias Canetti, a Bulgarian-born novelist and playwright who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1981. His works often explored themes of power, conformity, and individuality.
Today, Elias remains a popular name throughout the world. It is widely used in countries such as Spain, Portugal, Greece, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, and the Netherlands. In some cultures, it may also be spelled Elijah or Eliseo.
In summary, Elias is a name with deep historical roots that carries a powerful meaning. It has been associated with notable figures throughout history and remains popular today in many countries around the world.
The name Elias experienced a significant increase in popularity over time, with births fluctuating greatly from year to year. In the late 19th century, there were fewer than 50 births per year on average. However, starting around the 1970s, there was a notable rise, reaching triple digits by the late 1980s and exceeding 600 births per year from 2003 onwards. As of 2022, Elias has become one of the most popular names, with over 6,900 births recorded that year alone. In total, since 1880, there have been over 112,000 babies named Elias.