Eloi is the Catalan form of Eligius, a late Latin name derived from eligo, meaning "to choose." The name is particularly associated with Saint Eligius (c. 588–660), the patron saint of metalworkers. Known in French as Éloi, Eligius served as a bishop and goldsmith in the Merovingian court, renowned for his craftsmanship and charity. The Catalan adaptation Eloi reflects the linguistic transformation that occurred as the name spread across Romance languages, arriving in Catalonia through the veneration of the saint. Beyond its religious significance, Eloi gained broader cultural notoriety through H. G. Wells' 1895 science fiction novel The Time Machine. In the story, the Eloi are a futuristic species of humans living idly on the Earth's surface, while the Morlocks labor underground. Although this fictional usage is unrelated to the name's origin, it has influenced modern perceptions, giving the name a literary and speculative dimension. Variant forms of the name include French Éloi, Spanish Eligio and Eloy, Polish Eligiusz, and the original Late Roman Eligius. Eloi remains primarily used in Catalonia and other Catalan-speaking regions, though it appears occasionally in broader Spanish and international contexts. Key Facts Meaning: "to choose" (Latin) Origin: South Catalan form of Eligius Type: Given name (male) Usage Regions: Catalonia, and other Catalan-speaking areas