Elija
Every Elija since 1889 — 1,169 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Elija
Elija is rare for boys in the United States, ranked #6,217 in 2025 with 14 babies given the name. It is currently declining compared with a decade ago.
Since 1889, 1,169 American babies have been named Elija. Its peak came in 2008, when 56 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 2000s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Elija stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Elija year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 14 | #6,217 |
| 2024 | 12 | #6,949 |
| 2023 | 20 | #4,931 |
| 2022 | 20 | #4,901 |
| 2021 | 29 | #3,760 |
| 2020 | 24 | #4,176 |
| 2019 | 25 | #4,146 |
| 2018 | 20 | #4,793 |
| 2017 | 33 | #3,400 |
| 2016 | 26 | #4,024 |
| 2015 | 43 | #2,778 |
| 2014 | 21 | #4,588 |
| 2013 | 27 | #3,782 |
| 2012 | 44 | #2,732 |
| 2011 | 47 | #2,596 |
| 2010 | 42 | #2,837 |
| 2009 | 48 | #2,594 |
| 2008 | 56 | #2,332 |
| 2007 | 49 | #2,544 |
| 2006 | 41 | #2,800 |
| 2005 | 38 | #2,814 |
| 2004 | 49 | #2,324 |
| 2003 | 32 | #3,010 |
| 2002 | 46 | #2,264 |
| 2001 | 29 | #3,086 |
| 2000 | 26 | #3,235 |
| 1995 | 16 | #3,921 |
| 1990 | 7 | #6,633 |
| 1985 | 8 | #4,830 |
| 1980 | 9 | #4,245 |
| 1975 | — | — |
| 1970 | — | — |
| 1965 | — | — |
| 1960 | — | — |
| 1955 | — | — |
| 1950 | — | — |
| 1945 | — | — |
| 1940 | — | — |
| 1935 | — | — |
| 1930 | 5 | #4,161 |
| 1925 | — | — |
| 1920 | — | — |
| 1915 | 9 | #2,687 |
| 1910 | — | — |
| 1905 | — | — |
| 1900 | — | — |
| 1895 | — | — |
| 1890 | — | — |
| 1885 | — | — |
| 1880 | — | — |
Frequently asked questions
How popular is the name Elija in 2025?
Elija ranked #6,217 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 14 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Elija?
1,169 babies have been named Elija in the United States since 1889, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Elija most popular?
Elija peaked in 2008, when 56 newborns received the name.
Is Elija a boy or girl name?
Elija is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Elija rising or falling?
Elija is declining — less popular now than a decade ago.