WDYT of the name Elijah?

Question

I love the name Elijah.

Do you think it's too popular? I heard it's one of the names that's increasing in number fastest.

Also do you think it would be weird for an Agnostic and an Atheist to name their child with a traditionally Biblical name?

Answer 1

yes

Answer 2

I like it and the possible nickname of Eli. I don't think there's anything wrong with naming your child a Biblical name whatever your beliefs are.  

Answer 3

Not keen on it and no i don't think it would matter.My partner and I are not the least bit religious in any way and we plan to name our baby something that is quite biblical

Answer 4

i like Elijah a lot. it's a great name.

yes, i do think that would be uncharacteristic.

Answer 5

I don't like that name at all. It makes me think of LOTR, which I think was ****. But I don't think it would be weird of you to name your child that. Most people wouldn't even know it's a Biblical name.

Answer 6

1. no

2. yes. absolutely. if you dont believe in the bible why would you pick a name from there? that is the most ridiculous thing ive ever heard. basically you are confirming what you so defiantly deny.

Answer 7

Elijah Issac

Answer 8

I think it's a really neat name for a boy.

No, it would be just like an Agnostic and an Atheist naming their child Caleb, which they do all the time.

Answer 9

I'm an Atheist (raised as a Christian) and I love many Biblical names. I'm still undecided about whether or not I would use one if I were ever having a baby. On one hand, it's incredibly important to use a name you love. But I don't think I could use a name if I didn't agree with the meaning; and so many Biblical names have meanings that mention god.

The name Elijah means 'my god is yahweh'. Yahweh is the Hebrew god. The name was the name of a prophet, various saints and was revivied by the Puritans following the Protestant reformation. To find out more about the history of the name Elijah, check out this link: http://www.behindthename.com/name/elijah

Elijah is a very popular name. It's currently ranked at #30 in popularity in the U.S. top 1000 names. While the name is relatively uncommon for people our age, for your son it will be quite common. I know quite a few little Elijah's, and it wouldn't surprise me if your son had to share a classroom with one (and be known as Elijah LastNameInitial).

If all of this information has not put you off the name, then I think you should use it. Elijah is a very handsome name that I think will become a contemporary classic. When it comes down to it, all that matters is if you feel comfortable with using this name. I doubt other Atheists/Agnostics will judge you for using a Biblical name, and if a name is popular than it means many people will like it.

Personally, I would not use this name due to it's meaning and popularity, but there's nothing to say you cannot use it.