Boy Name
Elihu
Elihu is a boy's name whose meaning is not firmly attested in the historical record. It is used as a boy's name across several naming traditions, and it is rare in the United States today — outside the SSA top 1,000.
Considering Elihu? It is a boy name, and ranks in our Rare popularity tier. Phonetically it shares territory with Eliyahu.
Elihu meaning, origin, and usage
Meaning: Elihu has a distinctive sound and evolving modern usage.
Origin: Multiple naming traditions are associated with this name.
Pronunciation: Baby Name Studio pronounces Elihu as E·L·I·H·U, with 5 letters and a boy usage profile.
Popularity: According to Baby Name Studio's 2026 tracker, Elihu is an uncommon, standout choice in the Rare tier.
Elihu variants, nicknames, middle names, and sibling names
- Variants and spelling ideas: Elihua, Elihue, Elihuy, Elih.
- Nicknames: Eli and E.
- Middle names: Pair Elihu with a middle name that balances its substantial sound; start with the Elihu middle name generator.
- Sibling names: Eliyahu, Ellie, Elie, Ely, Elly — full picks on the sibling names for Elihu guide for a cohesive sibset.
- Similar names: Looking for names that sound like Elihu? Browse our names like Elihu guide for phonetic-neighbor picks.
- Explore more: use the Baby Name Explorer, name search, AI name generator, and Baby Name Studio homepage.
Frequently asked about Elihu
What does the name Elihu mean?
Elihu has no single meaning that is firmly attested in the historical record. It is used as a boy name in US birth records, and parents usually choose it for its sound rather than a documented meaning.
What is the origin of Elihu?
The exact origin of Elihu is debated, but it has been used across multiple naming traditions.
How do you pronounce Elihu?
Elihu has 5 letters and is most commonly stressed on the first syllable.
Is Elihu a boy's or girl's name?
Elihu is primarily used as a boy's name in US records.
How popular is Elihu in 2026?
In our 2026 popularity tracker, Elihu sits in the Rare tier — an uncommon, standout choice.
What names are similar to Elihu?
Names that share Elihu's sound and style include Eliyahu, Ellie, Elie, Ely, Elly.
What middle names pair well with Elihu?
Good middle-name fits for Elihu pair an opposite syllable rhythm: if Elihu is short, lean longer (e.g. classical or three-syllable middles); if Elihu is longer, a one-syllable middle keeps the full name from feeling heavy.
What are good sibling names for Elihu?
Sibling names that pair naturally with Elihu share its rhythm without rhyming — Eliyahu, Ellie, Elie all sit comfortably alongside it on a shortlist.