Elliot is a name that manages to feel intellectual, gentle, and rugged all at once. It occupies a rare space in the naming world: it is undeniable classic, yet it feels perfectly modern on a playground in 2025. With its vowel-heavy sound and soft double-L construction, it fits the current trend of “soft masculine” names, yet its history as a Scottish surname gives it a gritty, historical backbone. Whether you associate it with the literary genius of T.S. Eliot or the childhood wonder of Spielberg’s E.T., this name carries a vibe of kindness and intelligence.
At its core, Elliot is a spiritual name derived from Elijah, meaning “The Lord is my God,” though it also has roots as an Anglicized surname. It is adaptable, fitting a quiet artist just as well as an energetic athlete.
Verdict: Elliot is an ideal choice for parents seeking a name that is familiar but not overexposed. It offers the history of a biblical classic without the heaviness, making it a stylish, timeless contender for a baby born in 2025.
Elliot Overview
- Meaning: Elliot means “The Lord is my God.”
- Gender: The name Elliot is most commonly used for boys but can be a girl’s name, too.
- Origin: Elliot has multiple possible origins, including British and French.
- Pronunciation: While pronunciations might vary by dialect, the most common pronunciation is “EHL-ee-eht.”
- Popularity: The name is a top choice for boys and reasonably popular for girls. In the United States, Elliot ranked 160th for boys and 773rd for girls in 2021.
- Nicknames: El, Ells, Ellie, Ellis, Elly, Elsa, Elsie, Lee, Leo, Lio.
- Variations: Elian, Elias, Elijah, Eliot, Eliott, Elliott, Elliotta, Elliotte, Elye, Elyot, Ilya.
- Namesakes: Elliot Gould (American actor), Elliot Ness (American special agent). Elliot Page (American actor and producer).
What Does Elliot Mean?
The name Elliot is most widely recognized as a theophoric name, which means it embeds the name of God within it. It essentially carries the same powerful definition as the Hebrew boy’s name Elijah: “The Lord is my God” or “Jehovah is God.”
However, the meaning has nuance depending on which historical thread you pull. If you look at the name through the lens of the English and Scottish surname tradition, it can be traced to the Old English name “Ailiet” or “Æthelgeat,” which translates roughly to “noble gate.” This dual-meaning gives the name a wonderful complexity; it is both a declaration of faith and a symbol of strength and nobility.
Where Does the Name Elliot Come From?
Elliot is a name with a divided history, merging biblical roots with British ancestry. Its primary origin is as a medieval diminutive of Elias, which is the Greek form of the Hebrew Elijah. Elijah was a major prophet in the Old Testament, and his name was immensely popular in the Middle Ages due to the Crusades.
Simultaneously, Elliot developed independently in the Scottish Borders as a clan surname. The Clan Elliot was a notorious and powerful family of “border reivers” (raiders) in the 14th century. The surname was famously variable in spelling. An old rhyme about the clan states: “The double L and single T / Descend from Minto and Wolflee / The double T and single L / Mark the old race in Stobs that dwell.”
This convergence of a soft, pious first name and a rugged, warrior-clan surname creates the distinct “scholar-warrior” vibe the name carries today.
How Popular is the Name Elliot?
Elliot has proven itself to be a “slow burn” success story in the United States. Unlike trendy names that spike and crash, Elliot has maintained a steady presence for over a century. It saw a significant boost in the early 1980s, undoubtedly aided by the cultural phenomenon of the movie E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, featuring the young hero Elliott.
In recent years, the name has transitioned from a sleeper hit to a firm favorite. It is currently a top 200 staple for boys, indicating that it is well-liked but not inescapable. It is a “Goldilocks” name regarding popularity: everyone recognizes it and knows how to spell it, but there likely won’t be three of them in the same kindergarten class (1).
How Do I Pronounce Elliot?
The most standard pronunciation in American and British English is “EHL-ee-eht.”
The emphasis is placed on the first syllable. The final syllable is usually a soft schwa sound (like the ‘a’ in about) rather than a hard “ot” sound, though this can vary slightly by regional accent.
Is Elliot a Boy or Girl Name?
Historically, Elliot is a male name. Its lineage from Elijah and the Scottish Clan Elliot is strictly masculine. However, the modern naming landscape has shifted.
Elliot has seen increasing usage as a unisex option. This trend was notably accelerated by the TV show Scrubs in the early 2000s, which featured a female doctor named Elliot Reid. While it remains predominantly a boy’s name (ranking much higher on the male charts), it is widely accepted as a spunky, sophisticated choice for girls, often utilizing the nickname “Ellie.”
Variations of Elliot
Because Elliot is derived from the biblical Elijah, it has “cousin” names in almost every language in the Western world. Here are the most common variations:
- Élie (French)
- Elian (Spanish/Dutch)
- Elias (Greek/German)
- Elijah (Hebrew)
- Elis (Swedish)
- Ilya (Russian)
- Ilias (Arabic)
- Elia (Italian)
Nicknames for Elliot
One of the best features of this name is its versatility in short forms. While it is short enough to use in full, parents love these affectionate diminutives:
- El: The simplest, punchiest option.
- Ellie: Sweet and classic, though more common for girls.
- Ellis: A surname-style nickname.
- Lio: A creative, modern nickname taken from the last three letters.
- Eli: A biblical standalone that works perfectly as a short form.
- Otto: A rare, playful option derived from the “ot” ending sounds.
- Tot: A vintage-style nickname for a young child.
Names Similar to Elliot
If you love the vibe of Elliot; gentle, vowel-led, and classic; but want something slightly different, consider these alternatives:
- Oliver: Shares the “Ol/El” vowel opening and the soft, classic British feel.
- Emmett: A perfect phonetic match with the double-T ending, but with a more industrious, American vibe.
- Everett: Similar to Emmett and Elliot, this name adds a slightly more rugged, outdoorsy feel.
- Julian: Like Elliot, this is a “soft masculine” choice that projects intelligence and kindness.
- Gabriel: Another biblical classic that is gentle rather than aggressive.
- Finnegan: Shares the surname-as-first-name trend with a Celtic lilt.
- Bennett: A medieval diminutive of Benedict, similar to how Elliot is a diminutive of Elijah.
- August: A vintage “grandpa name” that has become incredibly stylish and modern.
- Arthur: Shares the literary and noble connections found in Elliot.
Middle Names for Elliot
Elliot is a flexible first name that pairs well with various styles. Because it ends in a “T” sound, you may want to avoid middle names that start with “T” to prevent them from blending together.
Classic & Timeless
These pairings feel regal and established, perfect for a traditional feel.
Modern & Cool
Short, punchy middle names give the three-syllable Elliot a rhythmic bounce.
- Elliot Jude
- Elliot Grey
- Elliot Hayes
- Elliot Cole
- Elliot Reid
Nature & Earthy
Lean into the Scottish Highlands vibe with these nature-inspired choices.
Sibling Names for Elliot
Building a sibset around Elliot is enjoyable because the name is a chameleon. It fits with vintage revivals, surname-names, and biblical classics.
For a Brother
- Theodore (Theo): Matches the vintage, academic charm of Elliot perfectly.
- Miles: Another gentle classic that doesn’t try too hard to be cool.
- Silas: Shares the biblical roots and soft ‘S’ sounds.
- Harrison: Plays on the surname-as-first-name trend.
- Caleb: A sturdy, handsome biblical match.
For a Sister
- Hazel: An earthy, vintage name that balances the softness of Elliot.
- Clara: Clean, bright, and historically compatible.
- Matilda: A name with similar strength and history.
- Iris: Short, floral, and intellectual.
- Violet: Shares the ‘et’ ending sound, creating a sweet rhyming link without being too matchy.
Famous People Named Elliot
From rock stars to poets, this name has been worn by many creative leaders:
- T.S. Eliot: One of the 20th century’s major poets (surname used as a namesake).
- Elliot Page: Oscar-nominated Canadian actor known for Juno and The Umbrella Academy.
- Elliott Smith: Influential indie singer-songwriter known for his whispery vocals.
- Elliott Gould: Iconic American actor known for MAS*H and Friends.
- Missy Elliott: Groundbreaking American rapper and producer (surname).
- Mama Cass Elliot: Member of the folk-rock group The Mamas & the Papas.
- Elliot Williams: Guitarist for the band The Editors.
Elliot in Pop Culture
Fictional Elliots are often portrayed as thoughtful, intelligent, and sometimes heroic figures:
- Elliott Taylor: The boy who befriends the alien in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.
- Elliot Alderson: The brilliant cybersecurity engineer and hacker in Mr. Robot.
- Elliot Stabler: The tough but dedicated detective in Law & Order: SVU.
- Elliot Reid: The neurotic but lovable doctor in the comedy Scrubs.
- Elliot Waugh: A central character in The Magicians book and TV series.
FAQs About the Name Elliot
What Does Elliot Mean in the Bible?
The name Elliot does not appear in the Bible but might trace its roots to the biblical prophet Elijah. In the Book of Kings, Elijah puts himself at lifelong odds with King Ahab and Queen Jezebel to eradicate the worship of the god Baal in Israel (2).
What Does the Name Elliot Mean in Greek?
The name Elliot itself is not Greek, but is derived from the Greek boy’s name Elias, which also means “The Lord is my God.”
How Should I Spell Elliot?
The most common spelling is Elliot (one T), followed closely by Elliott (two Ts). There are also variations like Eliott or Eliot (like the poet T.S. Eliot). The “two L, one T” spelling is generally considered the standard first name spelling, while the “two L, two T” version often signals a surname family connection, though both are widely accepted today.
Is Elliot a Rare Name?
No, Elliot is not considered rare in 2025. It is a well-established name that sits comfortably in the top 200 for boys in the US and the UK. While it is not as ubiquitous as Liam or Noah, it is a familiar choice that most people will recognize instantly.
What Is the Best Nickname for Elliot?
“Eli” is a popular choice if you want to emphasize the biblical roots, while “Ellie” is common for girls or young boys. For a more unique or modern twist, “Lio” is an excellent option that utilizes the ending sound of the name rather than the beginning.
Does Elliot Have a Spiritual Meaning?
Yes, Elliot is a deeply spiritual name. Because it is derived from Elijah, it carries the meaning “The Lord is my God” (Jehovah is God). It is a “theophoric” name, meaning it embeds the name of the deity within the name itself, serving as a declaration of faith.
Is Elliot Considered a Vintage Name?
Elliot fits the definition of a vintage revival name. It was used steadily in the Victorian era and early 20th century. Like other “grandpa names” such as Arthur, Theodore, and Oliver, it has returned to fashion because it feels rooted, gentlemanly, and established.
