Meaning & History
Éliás is the Hungarian form of the name Elijah, a major figure in the Abrahamic religions.
Etymology and Religious Significance
The name ultimately derives from the Hebrew ʾEliyyahu, meaning "my God is Yahweh," combining the roots ʾel (God) and yah (a shortened form of Yahweh). In the Old Testament, Elijah was a 9th-century BC prophet who challenged the worship of Ba'al during the reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, performed miracles, and was taken to heaven in a chariot of fire. He also appears in the New Testament alongside Moses during the Transfiguration of Jesus. His name has been widely used across cultures, especially in later medieval times via saints and in modern revivals.
Hungarian Usage
In Hungary, Éliás is a relatively uncommon but recognized given name, often linked to its biblical roots. A close Hungarian variant is Illés, which shares the same origin. Other language variants include the Swedish Elias, Turkish İlyas, Russian Ilia, and Arabic Ilyes.
Key Facts
- Meaning: "My God is Yahweh"
- Origin: Hebrew, via Hungarian adaptation of Elijah
- Type: Given name
- Usage regions: Hungary (primarily)