Rising since 1987, #469 for boys today.
Popularity of Alijah since 1987
Babies named Alijah per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1980s | 0 | 11 |
| 1990s | 265 | 533 |
| 2000s | 570 | 3,646 |
| 2010s | 450 | 5,865 |
| 2020s | 165 | 4,176 |
Meaning & origin
Alijah entered U.S. birth records in 1987 as a modern twist on Elijah, a name of Hebrew origin meaning 'My God is Yahweh.' It has been on a rising trajectory since, peaking in popularity in 2021. By 2025, it ranked 469th, with a frequency of 1 in 2,624 births. The name has seen particular favor in New Mexico, Mississippi, and Nevada, reflecting its appeal across diverse regions. Alijah's sound aligns with other popular -jah names like Micah and Josiah, and its sibling suggestions include brothers Elijah and Isaiah and sisters Aaliyah and Layla.
Alijah is a modern respelling of the biblical name Elijah (from Hebrew Eliyahu, meaning 'My God is Yahweh'). The -jah ending follows a trend of phonetic variations on traditional names like Elijah and Isaiah. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1987 and has steadily gained popularity, particularly in the 21st century, as parents sought a contemporary spin on a classic.
Where Alijah is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ali, Lijah, AJ
Sibling names for Alijah
Names that share Alijah's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Alijah
Names whose popularity has moved with Alijah's over the last 50 years.
