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Eli

Boy name · 509 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Eli: 509 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 48 births in 2019.

Eli is a name with deep biblical roots, appearing in the Old Testament as a Hebrew name meaning "ascended" or "my God." It's often considered a short form of Elijah or Elias, though it stands strong on its own. A notable bearer is Eli Whitney, the American inventor of the cotton gin, which revolutionized 19th-century industry. In Scotland, the name quietly grew in popularity through the late 20th century, perhaps boosted by the endearing film character Eli from *The Book of Eli*. The name also shares its root with the place name Elias, though no major geographical namesakes stand out. A further note: Eli remains distinct from the more common Elijah, offering a crisp, timeless alternative that works well in both Scottish and international contexts.