Elay

Elay is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variation of Eli (Hebrew for 'ascension' or 'my God'), a creative spelling of the name Ellie, or derived from other cultural sources. As a contemporary variation, Elay offers a fresh twist on more traditional names while maintaining familiar sounds. This uncommon name has a modern, distinctive quality with its unique spelling while remaining relatively straightforward to pronounce. Elay appeals to parents seeking something unique yet accessible, with a bright, open sound. The name has emerged primarily in recent decades, reflecting trends toward creative spellings and names that balance uniqueness with recognizable elements. Its brevity and melodic quality give it contemporary appeal.

Elay is also given to boys, where it ranks #8441 in the US.

Pronounced EE-lay.

As of October 2026, Elay ranked #8441 for boys in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #7709 for boys in 2014.