The name Eliyahu originates from the Hebrew language and has its roots in ancient Israelite culture, dating back to biblical times. The name is derived from the Hebrew words "El," meaning "God," and "Yahu," a shortened form of the divine name "Yahweh." The combination of these two elements gives Eliyahu the meaning "My God is Yahweh" or "The Lord is my God."

One of the most prominent historical references to the name Eliyahu is found in the Hebrew Bible, where it is associated with the prophet Elijah, a central figure in the prophetic tradition. Elijah is revered in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam for his unwavering devotion to God and his role in confronting the worship of false idols during the reign of King Ahab in the 9th century BCE.

The earliest recorded examples of the name Eliyahu can be traced back to ancient Hebrew texts and inscriptions from the biblical period. Throughout history, the name has been borne by numerous individuals of significance, including:

1. Elijah (9th century BCE), the renowned prophet in the Hebrew Bible known for his miracles and confrontation with the prophets of Baal.
2. Elijah ben Solomon Zalman (1720-1797), a prominent Jewish scholar and mystic, also known as the Vilna Gaon or the Genius of Vilna.
3. Elijah Muhammad (1897-1975), an influential African-American religious leader and a prominent figure in the Nation of Islam movement.
4. Elijah Levitas (1469-1549), a renowned Hebrew grammarian and lexicographer who authored the influential work "Sefer HaBahur."
5. Elijah ben Judah of Paris (12th century), a French Jewish scholar and one of the earliest known poets to compose Hebrew poetry in Europe.

Throughout its long history, the name Eliyahu has been widely embraced and revered across various cultures and religious traditions, reflecting its deep spiritual and prophetic significance. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the profound impact of the biblical prophet Elijah and the lasting influence of the Hebrew language and Israelite culture on the naming traditions of diverse communities around the world.