The name Eliana has its origins in the Hebrew language, derived from the biblical name Elijah, meaning "My God is Yahweh." The name can be traced back to ancient times, with references found in various religious texts and historical records.

One of the earliest known mentions of the name Eliana is in the Old Testament of the Bible, where it appears as a variant spelling of the name Elijah. In the Book of Kings, the prophet Elijah is a central figure who performs miracles and challenges the worship of false idols.

In the Middle Ages, the name Eliana gained popularity among Jewish communities across Europe and the Middle East. It was often used as a feminine form of the name Elijah, reflecting the reverence for the biblical prophet.

During the Renaissance period, the name Eliana made its way into various European languages, including Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese. It was embraced by Christian families, possibly due to its connection to the biblical figure of Elijah.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Eliana is found in the 16th century, with Eliana Benjamina, an Italian writer and poet born in 1550. Another notable figure was Eliana Andreini, an Italian actress and poet born in 1578, who gained fame for her performances in commedia dell'arte productions.

In the 17th century, Eliana Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia, born in 1646 in Venice, became the first woman to receive a doctoral degree from a university, earning a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Padua.

Moving into the 19th century, Eliana Caliri Bergamini, an Italian painter born in 1859, gained recognition for her still-life and landscape paintings.

In the 20th century, Eliana Macchi, an Italian actress born in 1940, made a name for herself in numerous films and television series, showcasing her versatility as a performer.