Holding steady, #6,143 for boys today.
Popularity of Elihu since 1880
Babies named Elihu per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1928, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Elihu's real moment was 1881.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 27 |
| 1890s | 11 |
| 1900s | 7 |
| 1910s | 154 |
| 1920s | 178 |
| 1930s | 92 |
| 1940s | 71 |
| 1950s | 56 |
| 1960s | 30 |
| 1970s | 41 |
| 1980s | 57 |
| 1990s | 101 |
| 2000s | 158 |
| 2010s | 157 |
| 2020s | 96 |
Meaning & origin
Elihu is a rare biblical name that has never enjoyed widespread popularity. Its peak usage came in 1881, the year it ranked highest at number 6,143, with fewer than 10 births per year in most decades. In 2025, the name was given to approximately 1 in every 122,005 newborn boys, maintaining a stable presence among obscure choices. Although it appears in the Book of Job, Elihu has not seen the same revival as other Old Testament names. Its moderate usage over the past century reflects a niche appeal reserved for those seeking a distinctive yet traditional Hebrew name.
Elihu is a Hebrew name meaning 'My God is He,' derived from elements 'Eli' (my God) and 'hu' (he). It appears in the biblical Book of Job as one of Job's three friends who debate the nature of suffering. Despite its ancient origins, Elihu has remained rare in English-speaking usage, never achieving widespread popularity.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Eli
Sibling names for Elihu
Names that share Elihu's style, for a brother or sister.
