Girl Names that Start with Eli – 15 Sweet & Soft Choices

published on 14 November 2025

Looking for girl names starting with "Eli"? Here's a curated list of 15 names that blend soft sounds with meaningful origins. These names, rooted in Hebrew, Latin, Greek, and more, carry themes of light, faith, and hope. From timeless classics like Eliza to rare gems like Eliora, there's something for every family. Many of these names offer versatility with nicknames like Ellie or Nora, making them suitable for all stages of life. Whether you're drawn to their gentle sound or deep meanings, these "Eli" names are worth considering.

  • Eliana: "God has answered" (Hebrew)
  • Elina: "Sun ray" (Greek)
  • Elin: "Light" (Welsh/Greek)
  • Elia: "God is Lord" (Hebrew/Italian)
  • Eliette: "God has answered" (French)
  • Eliza: "God’s vow" (Hebrew)
  • Elinor: "Light that shines" (Greek/English)
  • Elisha: "My God saves" (Hebrew)
  • Elita: "Small winged one" (Latin)
  • Elida: "Pretty winged thing" (Latin)
  • Elinora: "Bright shining light" (Greek/Latin)
  • Elisabet: "God is my word" (Nordic/Hebrew)
  • Elizah: "God is my promise" (Hebrew)
  • Eliska: "God gave a promise" (Czech)
  • Eliora: "God is my light" (Hebrew)

These names offer a mix of classic charm and modern appeal. If you're searching for something meaningful yet easy to pronounce, this list has you covered.

Why Choose Girl Names Starting with 'Eli'

Why Pick Girl Names That Start With 'Eli'

Girl names that start with "Eli" sound nice and soft. They can seem light but also sure. These names do not go out of style, and they have a clean look that lasts.

Many names with "Eli" can fit a young baby or a grown woman. This makes them easy to use for all ages. You can make short names from them, too. For instance, Eliana can be called Ellie or Ana, and Elinor can be Nora. So, you can change the name as your child grows up.

A lot of "Eli" names come from old words in Hebrew. There, "El" stands for "God." So, Eliana can mean "God has answered." Some names like Elin or Elina are from places in Europe. Old names like Eliza or Eliette give off a simple and rich feel.

These names in the U.S. are not rare, yet they are not too plain. They sound new, but you know them. That makes them great for moms and dads who want a name that is not overused but not strange. They are easy to say in many lands, and that is good for folks from more than one place.

Most "Eli" names mean good things. Eliora can mean "God is my light." Elita is like being "the one picked." These meanings give the name more worth. So, if you want a name full of hope and beauty, these names are a smart pick.

How NameHatch Makes Baby Name Search Easy

NameHatch

NameHatch helps you look for baby names without worry. If you want sweet, soft names like "Eli", this app can help. It uses smart tech to make a hard job easier, even fun, for you.

In this app, you swipe right if you like a name and left if you do not. The app learns what you like. It changes its name picks for you as it learns, so you find names that fit your taste. If you want to see more names like Eliana and Eliora, you can use smart filters. You can pick groups like Classic, New, Soft, or Strong. If you pay for the full plan, you can see more groups like Nature, World, Story, or Odd names.

A special part of this app is how two parents can use it on their own. The app tells you fast when you both like the same name. You can both have a voice, and you work together without stress.

You can use NameHatch on your phone or computer. You can save the names you love, make a list, and show your picks to family and friends. You get 30 swipes and simple filters free. If you wish to see more, you can get the full plan for $7 each month or $29 for six months. You can try it free for one month with code TRYHATCH.

NameHatch does not show ads. This means you can look for names without losing focus. If you search for an "Eli" name or just want something new, the app helps you find a sweet name with less work and more joy.

1. Eliana

Where the Name Comes From and What It Means

Eliana is a name from Hebrew. It means “God answered” or “God gave a reply.” This name shows strong faith and hope. Many see it as a sign that prayers came true. That story makes the name feel deep and special.

Main Traits or What It Brings to Mind

Eliana comes from old Hebrew ways, giving it a link to the Bible and deep faith. The name sounds sweet and new at the same time. Many people like how it fits most places and times. It has a classic feel but also works for now.

How Many Use It in the U.S.

Eliana is part of the “Eli” group of names but has made its own mark. It holds spot #83 for baby names. Eliana is easy to know but not too common. More and more parents pick it because it sounds nice and means something strong. It grows in fame as a name people find both pretty and full of meaning.

2. Elina

Where the Name Comes From

Elina is a name from Greece. It is from the name Elena. It means "sun ray." This name gives the sense of light, smart mind, and pure heart.

What Makes the Name Special

Elina is well known in places like Sweden and Norway. People think of this name as clear and bright, like the sun. It is seen as a good and happy name, full of hope.

Elina is liked by more people in the U.S. now. The name is ranked #998 in the country, and more families choose it now than before. Since the 1880s, it has become more common for little girls. On BabyCenter, Elina is the 7th top name that starts with "Eli" for girls. This shows how people keep picking the name for their kids.

3. Elin

Where the Name Came From and What It Means

Elin is a name that comes from Welsh and Greek. In both, it means "sun ray." It is another way to say Elen or Ellen. In homes in the north of Europe, Elin can be short for Elisabet or Helena, names that mean "torch" or "bright, shining one". Some people say the name Elin is like "light that comes out and the most lovely one".

All of these past links help keep the name Elin calm but pretty.

How to Say It

Elin is said as "EE-lin".

What It Is Known For or How People Use It

Elin is a name picked for girls. You can call someone Eli as a short name for Elin too, this is seen a lot in north Europe. The name sounds as fresh now as it did years back. It holds a mix of old and new, just like other Eli names.

How Many People Use Elin in the U.S.

Last year, Elin was number 1,186 for baby names in the United States. It moved down 80 spots from where it was before. Still, Elin feels both special and common, so people use it in many ways, as a first or last name.

4. Elia

Where It Comes From and What It Means

The name Elia comes from old Hebrew. It means “God is Lord” or “God is my Lord.” In Italy, people use this name too, and it is a lot like Eliana. It sounds soft and sweet. The name has been used for a long time, and it means a lot.

How to Say It

You say Elia like this: “eh-LEE-ah.” The stress is in the middle part of the word. The way it sounds is smooth. It is nice and easy to say. People like how it feels to use and hear this name.

What Makes Elia Special

Elia links the Bible and Europe. It mixes old stories with a simple, fancy style. Parents pick it if they want a name that feels fresh and also rare. Elia does not shout or show off, yet it stands out and lasts. It fits many cultures and lands, and its beauty is easy to see.

In America, Elia is not a name you hear a lot. It sits at spot #1,124 for baby names. This means it is not common, and that is great for folks who want a name that is not like all the rest. Elia is simple, easy to say, and stays in your mind. Its uncommon nature makes it special. If you want a name no one else has, Elia is a fine choice.

5. Eliette

Where it Comes From and What it Means

Eliette comes from Eliana. Eliana is a name from Hebrew. It means "My God has answered." The name Eliette has strong ties to faith and old ways. Many people like it because it has deep roots and feels very special. It holds up through time but still stands out as its own name.

What Makes It Special

Eliette is not a name you hear every day. It sounds nice and looks good when written down. If you want a name for your child that is not often used but still has meaning, you might pick Eliette. It’s rare, yet it does not feel strange. There is a sense of history in the name, making it feel right for any time.

Eliana is much more known. It is number 83 in the charts for girl names. But Eliette is still very new and not found on most lists. It is starting to get more notice, as people search for names that start with "Eli" for girls. Eliette is just now catching on. More families are picking it as a name that feels new, with rich meaning and a soft sound.

6. Eliza

Origin and Meaning

Eliza is a girl’s name. It comes from Hebrew and is made from the name Elizabeth. The name means “God’s vow” or “God’s word.” Some also say it means “given to God.” Eliza began from the old name Elizabeth but sounds new and bright. It still keeps the old, holy roots.

Notable Qualities or Culture Ties

Eliza has a strong, fun feel. Many people call it “special, loved, and happy.” The name is known in plays and shows, like My Fair Lady and Hamilton. Because of this, Eliza seems classy and wise. The name mixes old style with art and fun. This helps Eliza stay both new and classic at once.

How Common in the U.S.

Eliza stands out as one of the best “Eli” names in the U.S. People like it because it is known but not used too much. It fits kids as they grow and is liked by many. Its steady use shows Eliza is a strong pick for moms and dads who want a name that mixes old and new. They want something sweet, rich, and a bit one-of-a-kind.

7. Elinor

Where the Name Comes From and What it Means

Elinor goes back to the name Eleanor. Eleanor came from old French and old German words, and it means "other" or "from outside." The name is also tied to Helen, a name from Greece. Helen means "ray of sun." So, Elinor has more than one story behind it. Some spell it “Elinore,” and this way of writing the name is said to mean "full of light and happy." From these old stories, the name Elinor gets two roots and a kind that does not go out of style. It has a nice sound and feel.

What the Name Is Known For

The name Elinor stands out in books from long ago. Jane Austen gave us Elinor Dashwood in her famous story Sense and Sensibility. Austen's Elinor is smart, kind, and calm. She shows how to stay strong and good, even when things are hard. Because of this, many think Elinor means a wise person who is strong but quiet.

Parents may like Elinor for its place in stories and for being pretty. It is a name that seems to have lived for many years and still holds its charm. Picking Elinor can show care and taste for old things and nice things. Families who want a name that lasts and looks good will find Elinor fits.

How Often the Name Is Used in the U.S.

Not as many people use Elinor now as used to before. The most people named Elinor was in the years 1880 to 1889, when about 2.2% of girls had it. But now, only about 1.11% have this name. Still, Elinor is still liked by some who want a name that sounds old but not old-fashioned. Its mix of past and now makes Elinor a good pick for many moms and dads.

8. Elisha

Let’s keep talking about soft, nice names that start with “Eli.” Now, let’s look at Elisha.

Where Elisha Comes From

Elisha comes from words in Hebrew. The name means “My God saves.” It is close to names like Elisabeth and Alicia. So, it has a bit of royal and holy feeling, too. That meaning feels full of hope, kindness, and help from above. Elisha brings warmth and good vibes. Like other “Eli” names, Elisha has a gentle sound and a story that has lasted a long time.

What Makes Elisha Special

Elisha is tied to faith, trust, and honor. It is linked to Elisabeth, the mom of John the Baptist. Most times, people use Elisha for girls, but boys can have it too. It works for both and has a lot of heart. This mix of holy meaning and a classic feel makes Elisha stand out and gives it a name people will remember.

How Common Elisha Is in the U.S.

In 2018, lots of people picked the name Elisha for newborn babies. Folks like it because it sounds soft and has deep feeling behind it.

9. Elita

Let's look close at Elita, a name with soft, sweet sound that fits right in with names like Eli.

Where It Comes From and What It Means

Elita is a name that shows both charm and depth. The name comes from Latin, and it means "small winged one". It is linked to Alida, too, so it is close to other names in style. Some say Elita also means "one who made a big change and is noble". So, the name can mean you have both lightness and purpose. It mixes angel-like grace with strong worth.

How to Say It

Say Elita as "eh-LEE-tah," with "eh", "LEE", and "tah".

What the Name Shows

The thought of a "small winged one" brings ideas of light steps and calm air. The second meaning, "one who made a big change and is noble," shows a great soul who leaves a mark. These two sides let Elita stand out as a name both light and brave, soft yet bold. It seems to float, but never fades from view.

Elita is not rare for kids' names in the U.S.. It looks like Eladia, and is close to Elida and a few other names. So, it feels known, but not too used. It is a pick that holds its own, yet fits in well with other sweet names.

10. Elida

Elida is a name that mixes the soft style of Eli with a fresh and new sound of its own.

Where It Comes From and What It Means

Elida comes from old Latin. Some say it is much like Alida. The name means "small winged one", or "pretty winged thing". These words make you think of grace and soft ways. The wings hint at light and free moves, so the name seems bright, light, and lovely.

Elida gives a feel of beauty, freedom, and light. This name brings with it charm and style, which makes it stand out in a sweet way.

How Loved is It in the United States

Elida is rare, but it is found as a baby name in the U.S.. Some moms and dads choose it since it is not too used, but still feels easy and nice. The mix of newness and warmth makes it a name many people like.

11. Elinora

Elinora gives off a feel of old times mixed with smooth grace. It sounds soft, nice, and calm, and has a calm and sweet style.

Where the Name Comes From

Elinora comes from Eleanor and Helen. Eleanor is from Old French and Old German and means "other" or "not from here." Helen is from old Greek and means "sun ray." The name also means things like "shines", "bright one", or "God."

What Makes It Special

This name feels rich and deep. Elinora makes you think of big, old halls and famous queens from long ago. The name is clear and strong but also has a soft song-like sound. It is seen as classy, calm, and full of feeling. People say Elinora is warm, friendly, and caring, which gives it even more charm.

12. Elisabet

Elisabet takes the name Elizabeth and gives it a cool, new look from the North. This name mixes old ways and new style. It feels close and known, but also bright and clean. It sounds clear and sharp.

Where It Comes From and What It Means

Elisabet comes from an old Hebrew name, Elisabeth. It means "God is my word", "God's promise", or "God gave hope." The name shows up in big Bible stories - Elisabeth is the mother of John, who baptized Jesus. It also ties back to Elisheba, who was married to Aaron in stories from long ago. The Nordic version makes the name simple and neat, keeping the old meaning but also looking fresh and up to date.

How to Say It

If you are in Sweden or Finland, you say Elisabet a bit different from one town to the next. The way it sounds can change, but still feels local and right.

What Makes It Special

Elisabet is both old and new, making it a good pick for girls today. It goes well with a cute short name like "Eli", which you can use with friends or at home. You can use the full name when you want to be more grown up or in school.

How Common Is It in America

Not many girls in America have this name. It doesn’t show up much in lists from 1924 till now. The name "Elisabeth" also became less popular, so Elisabet stands out. Parents may like it for its strong past and soft, simple feel that makes it different from most names.

This name lets you keep links to the past while trying something new. It gives you choice, charm, and a link to family and faith without being too fancy. If you want a name many may not have, but that is full of story, Elisabet could be the one.

13. Elizah

Where It Comes From and What It Means

Elizah is a name that comes from Hebrew. It is a kind of Eliza, which is a short form of the name Elizabeth. Elizah can mean "Precious" or "Unique." Some say it means "God is My Promise." People use this name to show someone who is one of a kind. It is soft, special, and has a deep feel. The name gives a sense of worth and faith. It is loved for its simple sound and strong heart.

14. Eliska

Where It Comes From and What It Means

Eliska comes from an old Hebrew word. It means "God gave a promise" or "God made an oath." People think of Eliska as a form of Elizabeth. The name points to God's word or a promise from God.

The way you see "Eliška" is linked with Czech and Slavic life. People from those places use it more, and you can find it in old tales and stories there. It shows how the name spreads and stays strong in these lands.

Use in the U.S.

In the U.S., not many girls have this name. Eliska is quite rare on lists that show names starting with "Eli." When parents search for names, Eliska does not show up a lot, so picking it makes your child stand out. Few know about this name, which helps it seem fresh and new. Its rare use, and special sound, makes it a great pick if you want a name people do not hear much.

15. Eliora

Where it comes from and what it means

The name Eliora comes from Hebrew. It means “God is my light”. This simple but sweet meaning touches on God, hope, and light from above. It is a name that feels full of care and faith.

How to say it

Say Eliora slowly and soft, as each part flows into the next. The way it sounds is gentle and nice to hear.

What makes it special

Eliora is not a name you see every day. It is strong, old, and bright, coming from deep roots. It stands for light and help, ideas that many people find close to the heart. Families who want a name that means something deep and true may like Eliora. It works for both Jewish homes and families with mixed faith. If you want a name that feels new and old at the same time, Eliora is full of charm and meaning.

Name Match Table

Here is a fast look at where the 15 'Eli' girl names come from and what they mean:

Name Where it came from What it means
Eliana Place: Hebrew or Latin God said yes
Elina Place: Greek or Finnish Clear light
Elin Place: Welsh or Norse Light
Elia Place: Hebrew or Italian God is my king
Eliette Place: French Small word to God
Eliza Place: Hebrew God is my word
Elinor Place: Greek or English Light that shines
Elisha Place: Hebrew God will save
Elita Place: Latin One who is picked
Elida Place: Greek Sun gift
Elinora Place: Greek or Latin Bright shining light
Elisabet Place: Hebrew God is my word
Elizah Place: Hebrew God is my word
Eliska Place: Czech God is my word
Eliora Place: Hebrew God is my light

There are many names here, each with its own start and its own simple meaning, so you may pick the one that means the most to you.

These names often hold ideas of bright and holy bonds. They give you good and deep picks for your baby girl's name.

Conclusion

Girl names that start with 'Eli' mix soft sound with true strength. These names are old but feel fresh. They come from many places, like Hebrew, Latin, Greek, and more. Their charm lasts, and you can use them for a girl now or years from now.

The sense these names bring adds even more to why people like them. Take Eliana, "God has answered", or Eliora, "God is my light." Each name seems full of hope and shines bright - nice things that can go with your girl all through her days.

What makes these names stand out is how well they fit many families. You can match them with old names or new names. You get the grace of Eliza or the rare feel of Eliska. There is an 'Eli' name for each person and each style.

Picking the right name is fun. Helpful tools like NameHatch's smart AI can help you and make it easy for all to join in. If you want a name with true depth or just one that feels good in your heart, these fifteen names are great to start your girl's story.

FAQs

What are some common meanings or themes behind girl names starting with 'Eli'?

Names for girls starting with 'Eli' often evoke themes of light, divinity, and strength. Many of these names carry meanings such as 'God is my light,' 'ascended,' or 'my God.' Their roots are often found in Hebrew, reflecting a deep connection to spirituality and enlightenment.

These names are loved for their gentle, graceful sound and the meaningful messages they hold, making them a favored choice for parents who want a name that combines beauty with depth.

How can NameHatch help me find a beautiful 'Eli' name for my baby girl?

NameHatch makes discovering beautiful baby girl names starting with "Eli" an enjoyable experience. The platform offers a carefully curated list of names, complete with their meanings, origins, and special traits, helping you choose a name that feels perfect for your little one.

Whether you're looking for something graceful, gentle, or unique, NameHatch provides a variety of options to match your style, turning the naming journey into an inspiring and hassle-free process.

Are names starting with 'Eli' a good fit for all ages, and what are some common nicknames for them?

Names starting with Eli have a classic charm that suits both kids and adults. Their enduring appeal ensures they transition seamlessly through different stages of life.

Common nicknames like Eli, Ellie, and Elia provide a mix of fun and sophistication, making them perfect for any age or setting.

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