Elian

This Dutch form of Elijah — or other Eli- names — holds plenty of appeal, combining the gentle El- of Elliot or Elias with the ending of rising choices such as Cassian and Caspian. Popular in Puerto Rico, Chile, and Mexico, it has also been rising up the US charts since the 2000s and now sits within the Top 300.

From it's Dutch origins, it could share the same meanings as Elijah or Elisabeth, "Yahweh is God" and "pledged to God" respectively, however, there's also the possibility it could mean "sun" via its links to Aelian and Aelius. It might be considered a compound name too, as in the case of Cuban politician, engineer and subject of a famous custody battle, Elián González, whose parents blended their names — Elizabeth and Juan — to make his.

Given to around 1500 American boys in 2024, it is a fast rising choice, while less popular sound-alike Elyan could give you a connection of Arthurian legend, and closer ties to Aelian and the sun meaning.

Elian is also given to girls, where it ranks #10326 in the US.

Pronounced EL-ee-an.

As of October 2026, Elian ranked #147 in US births in 2025 SSA, Nameberry popularity #264.