Elian

EH-lee-yahn
Dutch variation of Elijah or Elisabeth, Hebrew
"Yahweh is God; pledged to God; sun"

Elian Origin and Meaning

The name Elian is a boy's name meaning "Yahweh is God; pledged to God; sun".

This Dutch form of Elijah — or other Eli- names — holds plenty of appeal, combining the gentle El- of Elliot or Elias with the ending of rising choices such as Cassian and Caspian. Popular in Puerto Rico, Chile, and Mexico, it has also been rising up the US charts since the 2000s and now sits within the Top 300.

From it's Dutch origins, it could share the same meanings as Elijah or Elisabeth, "Yahweh is God" and "pledged to God" respectively, however, there's also the possibility it could mean "sun" via its links to Aelian and Aelius. It might be considered a compound name too, as in the case of Cuban politician, engineer and subject of a famous custody battle, Elián González, whose parents blended their names — Elizabeth and Juan — to make his.

Given to around 1480 American boys in 2023, it is a fast rising choice, while less popular sound-alike Elyan could give you a connection of Arthurian legend, and closer ties to Aelian and the sun meaning.

# 235 in the US

Elian Rank in US Top 1000

# 710 on Nameberry

Elian Rank in Nameberry Top 1000

Elian Popularity

Famous People Named Elian

  • Elian Gonzalez
    Cuban boy involved in 2000 international custody battle
  • St. Elian or Julian
    Syrian Martyr
  • Elián Herrera
    Dominican baseball player