Shem
The Israeli Names Portal

עילי


Meaning of the name עילי

The name Ilay (Ilai) is an ancient and elevated Hebrew name that carries profound meanings of supremacy, exaltation, and spiritual ascension. The root of the name derives from the word 'elyon' (supreme) or 'al' (above), expressing a lofty and elevated status. In the Bible, Ilai the Ahohite was one of King David's thirty mighty warriors, brave and loyal fighters who formed the king's elite guard and were considered the military aristocracy of the Kingdom of Israel. The figure of Ilai the Ahohite appears in the list of mighty men in the Book of Samuel II, and he is mentioned as one of those who stood by David's side during the most difficult times and fought for the establishment of the kingdom. The name Ilai conveys a sense of aspiration for greatness, a desire to reach heights and transcend the ordinary and routine. It is suitable for parents who wish to give their son a name with deep spiritual significance, a name that expresses hope that the child will achieve high accomplishments and conduct himself in a noble and moral manner. In Jewish tradition, the name carries values of heroism, courage, and loyalty - qualities that characterized the biblical Ilai the Ahohite. The name also testifies to nobility of spirit and the ability to rise above difficulties and challenges. In recent decades, there has been a significant change in the popularity of the name Ilai in Israel. While it was once a rare and unique name, it has gradually become one of the most popular names for boys. This process began in the 1980s and 1990s and intensified particularly in the 2000s. Today, Ilai is considered a modern and trendy name while maintaining its biblical and traditional roots. This combination of antiquity and modernity, of tradition and contemporaneity, is one of the main factors in the name's success. Many parents find in it the perfect balance - a name that honors Jewish and biblical heritage yet sounds young, fresh, and current. The short, sharp sound of the name, together with its profound meaning, makes it a particularly attractive choice among Israeli families from all backgrounds.

The name עילי with vowels

עִילַי

The name עילי in English

Ilay | Ilai | Eelay

עילי is mainly suitable for

Boy

Is the name עילי considered international

No

Origin of the name עילי from the Bible

2 Samuel 23:9 - Ilai the Ahohite

Origin of the name עילי from Kabbalah

In Kabbalah, the name Ilai symbolizes spiritual ascension and connection to higher dimensions. The root 'ili' points to upward movement, to aspiration to approach divine light and rise above materiality. Kabbalah sees this name as an expression of a soul striving to ascend spiritual levels, to break through the boundaries of the limited and connect to the infinite. Bearers of this name are considered to have high spiritual potential and the ability to lead others on the path of truth and light.

Gematria value for the name עילי

120

=

70

ע

+

10

י

+

30

ל

+

10

י

Numerology value for the name עילי

3

=

70

ע

+

10

י

+

30

ל

+

10

י

=

120

=

1

+

2

+

0

=

3

Famous people named עילי

Ilay Botner (Israeli actor) | Ilay Ohana (soccer player) | Ilay Biton (singer)

Names similar to עילי

Total times the name עילי was registered

4084 times

Graph of the name עילי

* Source: Central Bureau of Statistics. As of April 2022