A friend of mine (also Chinese) is picking an English name for his 6 year-old son, who is new to school. He would like to call the boy "Elijay", which actually is a word made up. He came to me for advice, and I really don't sure if it's a good name. So my dear English-Speaking friends here in italki, would you please tell me what first come into your mind when you hear the name "Elijay"? Do you think it's a good or proper name? If you have any other suggestions, please kindly let me know~ Thank you！

Question

A friend of mine (also Chinese) is picking an English name for his 6 year-old son, who is new to school. He would like to call the boy "Elijay", which actually is a word made up.  He came to me for advice, and I really don't sure if it's a good name. So my dear English-Speaking friends here in italki, would you please tell me what first come into your mind when you hear the name "Elijay"? Do you think it's a good or proper name?  If you have any other suggestions, please kindly let me know~ Thank you！

Answer

There actually is a name similar to that in English: Elijah. According to US government statistics, “Elijah” was the 4th most popular name for baby boys in 2021. The original Elijah (less commonly in English as “Elias”) is considered to be one of the most important prophets in the Abrahamic religions. According to Scripture, he ascended to Heaven while alive (i.e. he never died). You can look up “Elijah the Prophet” for more information.

Answer

Hi Estelle, there are no odd/weird/strange connotations I can think of that come with this name, but most people will probably assume it is Elijah spelled wrongly. It's really up to the parents (and in the future, the child), though. I'd suggest Elijah simply because the child will have to face less questions. I can already imagine him going, "People always ask me this. I might as well make a card I can hand out every time people look like they're going to ask me those questions." haha!

Answer

He should do want he wants. If he thinks it sounds ok, he can also try 'Eli Jay' instead. Both Eli and Jay are common names. Furthermore, Elisha is a name we use here in the United States sometimes too. As Phil and Peter wrote, Elijah is also a popular name in United States.

Answer

It's not an "English" name so I expect many people may ask what its origins are. It sounds a little like "Elijah" a prophet from the Bible. There is nothing inherently wrong with making up a name for a child of course and whether it is a "good" choice" is a decision for the parents I suppose.