Eliab
A boy's name of Hebrew origin with 891 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Eliab has 891 recorded U.S. births across 35+ years, peaking at 98 in 2022. It occupies the space between “never heard of it” and “everyone has one in their class” — a name that feels personal without being obscure.
In the most recent SSA release, Eliab ranks #2445 among U.S. boy names — distinctive enough to stand out.
Eliab is a boy's baby name of Hebrew origin meaning 'my God is my father' or 'God is father.' In the Bible, Eliab was the eldest brother of David, described as tall and handsome — the obvious candidate to be king, before God chose the young shepherd David instead. A rare, powerful Old Testament name.
EtymologyShow more
Eliab first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 1989. First appearing in the 1980s, Eliab emerged during a period of rapid naming innovation in America, when parents increasingly created new names or adopted them from global cultures.
Its Hebrew classification suggests a path from hebrew linguistic traditions into American usage, though the specific route — whether through immigration, literature, or cultural exchange — would require deeper historical research.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Eliab climbed 2878 spots in the last 20 years — from #5323 to #2445.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 327 | — |
| 2010s | 349 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 166 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 43 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 6 | — |
The Story of Eliab
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2022, Eliab is a fresh, modern favorite. Boys named Eliab are most likely born between 2012 and 2024.
How rare is Eliab?
Only about 1 in every 64,286 babies born in 2024 was named Eliab — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1989, gained momentum through the mid-century, peaked in the 2010s with 349 births that decade, and continues to thrive.
Eliab by the numbers
- Would fill 19 school buses
- Meeting one Eliab per day would take 2.4 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(33 years, 1989–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 56 | #2445 |
| 2023 | 64 | #2227 |
| 2022 | 98 | #1722 |
| 2021 | 59 | #2327 |
| 2020 | 50 | #2560 |
| 2019 | 42 | #2906 |
| 2018 | 51 | #2520 |
| 2017 | 39 | #3024 |
| 2016 | 46 | #2668 |
| 2015 | 35 | #3254 |
| 2014 | 32 | #3395 |
| 2013 | 27 | #3781 |
| 2012 | 32 | #3400 |
| 2011 | 24 | #4136 |
| 2010 | 21 | #4564 |
| 2009 | 18 | #5156 |
| 2008 | 18 | #5129 |
| 2007 | 20 | #4684 |
| 2006 | 24 | #4035 |
| 2005 | 14 | #5660 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1989–2024