Elia is of Hebrew origin, meaning 'the Lord is my God'. It's a variant spelling of Elias and Elijah, also popular biblical names. In the New Testament, Elia is mentioned as one of John the Baptist's followers who recognized Jesus Christ. The name gained prominence during the Middle Ages in Europe, particularly among Christians. Notable individuals with this name include Elia Kazan, a renowned Turkish-American film director, and Eliahu Inbal, an Israeli conductor.
The name Elia has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century, with a notable spike in recent years. From just five births recorded in 1915, the number of babies named Elia annually rose to an all-time high of 35 in 2022. This trend suggests that the name Elia has gained widespread appeal and is likely to continue being a popular choice among parents in the coming years.