Find out how popular the first name Alijah has been for the last 37 years (from 1987 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Alijah by gender

Based on the last 37 years of data, Alijah is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 90% of people named Alijah being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 696 male babies and 18 female babies born with the name Alijah.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 18 baby girls were named Alijah in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Alijah

The name Alijah is a relatively modern variation of the Hebrew name Elijah, which means "my God is Yahweh" or "Yahweh is God." The name's roots can be traced back to ancient Hebrew texts, particularly the Old Testament of the Bible.

In the Old Testament, Elijah was a prominent prophet who played a crucial role in the confrontation between the worship of Yahweh and the pagan deity Baal. The biblical account depicts Elijah as a powerful and charismatic figure who performed miracles and stood against the corruption of the Israelite monarchy.

The earliest recorded use of the name Elijah dates back to the 9th century BCE, when the prophet lived during the reign of King Ahab in the northern kingdom of Israel. However, the name Alijah, with its slightly modified spelling, emerged much later as a modern variant.

One of the earliest known individuals with the name Alijah was Alijah David Cramner, an English clergyman and theologian born in 1595. He was known for his work on biblical exegesis and served as a rector in various parishes.

Another notable figure with the name Alijah was Alijah Lindsey, a prominent African American educator and civil rights activist born in 1848. He dedicated his life to establishing schools for Black children in the post-Civil War South and played a significant role in advancing educational opportunities for marginalized communities.

In the 20th century, Alijah Muhammad, born Elijah Poole in 1897, was a prominent leader of the Nation of Islam. He was instrumental in reviving and expanding the organization, promoting self-determination and economic empowerment for African Americans.

Alijah Diggs, born in 1970, is a renowned American actor and musician. He has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including "How Stella Got Her Groove Back" and "Empire," and has also released several music albums.

Alijah Holder, born in 1992, is a Jamaican professional cricketer who has represented the West Indies national cricket team in various formats of the game. He is known for his aggressive batting style and has gained recognition as a promising young talent in the sport.

Overall, the name Alijah, while a relatively modern variation, carries a rich historical and cultural significance rooted in the ancient Hebrew tradition. Its connection to the biblical prophet Elijah and its use by notable individuals throughout history have contributed to its enduring appeal and relevance across different cultures and time periods.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Alijah was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Alijah, please contact us.

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