The name Elijah originated in the Old Testament, and is translated from the Hebrew name Eliyahu, meaning Jehovah is my God. Elijah was a prophet and a miracle worker, whose biblical stories culminate in his ascendancy to the heavens on a chariot of fire.
The name is known to all Passover-celebrating Jews, who symbolically open the door to Elijah during the Passover Seder ceremony, and fill a wine glass for their invisible guest.
Although the name sounds archaic, it still remains a very popular boy's name, perhaps due to the shortened version, Eli.
The name, either due to the popularity of Eli or for other reasons, is slowly gaining popularity in the US. It's position as the 22nd most common boy's name in the US is the highest it's ever been.
