Eliot

Meaning & origin

Eliot is a given name that has been in use since at least 1905, when it first appeared in U.S. records. It reached its highest popularity in 2012, ranking 1401st, but has since been on a gradual decline, consistent with the trajectory of many traditional names. In 2025, it was given to about 1 in every 13,139 boys. The name's geographic distribution is most concentrated in Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Tennessee, reflecting a mix of both coastal and southern preferences. As a variant of Elijah, Eliot carries a strong biblical heritage while offering a more concise, distinctive spelling. Its use as both a surname and given name for centuries gives it a literary and historical weight that appeals to parents seeking a name with depth but without overt trendiness.

Eliot is a variant of the name Elijah, which comes from the Hebrew 'Eliyahu' meaning 'my God is Yahweh'. It emerged in medieval England as a surname and later became used as a given name. The spelling 'Eliot' was popularized by the poet T. S. Eliot, though it has a long history in various forms across English-speaking countries.