Rising since 2002, #5,608 for boys today.
Popularity of Elai since 2002
Babies named Elai per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 61 |
| 2010s | 104 |
| 2020s | 94 |
Meaning & origin
Elai first entered U.S. birth records in 2002, but it has only recently begun to gain traction. By 2025, it ranked 5608th, with approximately 1 in 106,755 male newborns receiving the name. Its peak popularity occurred in 2024, the year before the most recent statistics, suggesting a growing but still niche appeal. The trajectory has been consistently upward since 2002, reflecting a broader trend of parents seeking short, distinctive names ending in 'ai.' While Elai does not appear in any top state rankings yet, its modern sound and possible connection to well-known biblical names like Elijah may contribute to its gradual rise.
Elai first appeared in U.S. birth records in 2002. It is likely a modern coinage, possibly influenced by names like Elijah, Eli, or Elie, with the 'ai' ending giving it a distinctive sound. Its usage has been steadily rising, particularly in the 2020s.
Sibling names for Elai
Names that share Elai's style, for a brother or sister.
