Elliot Name Meaning: Origin, Popularity & Nicknames

What Does Elliot Mean?

Both the surname and given name Elliot have multiple meanings depending on the theory of its origin. In the UK, it may have been first rendered as Ailiet, a surname derived from an Old English name that translated as “noble gate.” That variant influenced Elliot in England and Scotland.

Elsewhere, Elliot has a deep religious significance thanks to its potential connection to a French version of the name “Elias.” That derives from the Hebrew boy’s name “Elijah,” which means “the Lord is my God.”

What Is the Origin of the Name Elliot?

There are many theories surrounding Elliot’s development in Britain. Some suggest that it is related to a 13th Century abbot who played a role in the Magna Carta. However, that appears to be a myth.

Elliot as a surname appeared in the Domesday Boo under the spelling of Ailiet. The variant with two-letter Ts, “Elliott,” originates from the Scottish surname Elloch, which means “dam,” “mound,” or “bank.”

Both Elliot and Elliott are common surnames. There were many notable families across Europe with the surname Elliot ⁽¹⁾

The name may also come from a French translation of the Greek “Elias,” which arose from Elijah, an ancient biblical name.

How Popular Is the Name Elliot?

Elliot has been a given name since at least the 19th Century, but its popularity in the United States has fluctuated. It broke into the top 500 for boys in 1982, perhaps influenced by the prominence of actor Elliot Gould.

In 2021, Elliot ranked 160th for boys and 773rd for girls ⁽²⁾.

How Do I Pronounce Elliot?

While pronunciation can often hinge on dialects, language, and region, Elliot is typically pronounced as “EHL-ee-eht.”

Is Elliot a Boy or Girl Name?

Elliot has traditionally been a masculine name. However, it is becoming increasingly popular for girls.

Variations of Elliot

The name Elliot has many variations. These range from different spellings to versions in other languages that have similar meanings. Some of the most prominent are:

• Elian (Spanish)
• Elias (Greek)
• Elijah (Hebrew)
• Eliot (English)
• Eliott (English)
• Elliott (English)
• Elliotta (feminine, English)
• Elliotte (feminine, English)
• Elye (Hebrew and Yiddish)
• Elyot (Hebrew)
• Ilya (Slavic)

Nicknames for Elliot

Elliot is a somewhat short name already, but you can shorten it further with a cute nickname. Some options include:

• El
• Ells
• Ellie
• Ellis
• Elly
• Elsa
• Elsie
• Lee
• Leo
• Lio

Similar Names to Elliot

You might be intrigued by the name Elliot, but would like to check out your options before you commit. If that’s the case, or you’re just curious, these names are similar to Elliot:

• Aaron
• Allen
• Benjamin
• Eliezer
• Ella
• Ellis
• Elisha
• Elsa
• Gabriel
• Garrett
• Harriet
• Helen
• Isaiah
• Juliet
• Kellyn
• Matthew
• Scarlett
• Violet
• William
• Zane

Middle Names for Elliot

A middle name is often one of the most challenging choices. Sometimes, it honors a relative or is another name that had been in the running. Excellent middle names that could fit a child named Elliot include:

• Anthony
• Ben
• Brandon
• Charlotte
• Cordelia
• Finley
• Hamish
• Jack
• James
• Jeremy
• Lee
• Lewis
• Reid
• Roy
• Sabine
• Sarah
• Scott
• Shepherd
• Taylor
• Thomas

Sibling Names for Elliot

Choosing a sibling name is a process. After all, you might want to follow a theme, take inspiration from names with a similar meaning, or go off what sounds good alongside Elliot. Consider the following possibilities:

For a brother:

• Andrew
• David
• Duncan
• Edward
• Ethan
• Micah
• Oscar
• Peter
• Simon
• Theo

For a sister:

• Alice
• Cassandra
• Clara
• Felicity
• Gemma
• Hayley
• Lucy
• Mary
• Natalie
• Nicole

Famous People Named Elliot

Since the name Elliot has been popular for many decades, several celebrities and well-known public figures share it. Some of the most recognizable namesakes include:

• Elliot Ackerman: American author.
• Elliot Cowan: English actor.
• Elliott Gould: American film and television actor.
• Eliot Ness: American special agent during the Prohibition era.
• Elliot Page: Canadian actor and producer.
• Elliott Smith: American singer and songwriter.
• Elliot Villar: American actor.
• Elliott Yamin: American singer.

Elliot in Popular Culture

The name Elliot has appeared extensively in popular culture. Characters and media that feature the name Elliot include:

• Elliot: Character in the drama series “Euphoria.”
• Elliot: Character in Sony Pictures Animation’s “Open Season” franchise
• Elliot Alderson: Character in the American thriller series “Mr. Robot.”
• Elliot Carver: Character in the James Bond film “Tomorrow Never Dies.”
• Elliot Reid: Character in the American comedy series “Scrubs.”
• Elliot Stabler: Character in the American crime drama series “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.”
• Elliott Taylor: Character in the science fiction film “E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial.”

Elliot FAQs

Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the name Elliot.