What Does the Name Elliot Mean?
Elliot means "the Lord is my God," sharing its root with Elijah and Elias through the Hebrew Eliyahu. The name reached England via the Old French diminutive Elyot before settling into its modern spelling.
The Origin & History of Elliot
Elliot has been used as both a surname and a given name in Britain since the medieval period, historically strong in Scotland as a border-clan surname before becoming a familiar English-language first name for boys.
Cultural Reach
Elliot gained broad cultural recognition partly through the character Elliott in Steven Spielberg's 1982 film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, which helped cement it as a warm, approachable name for a new generation of parents.
Famous People Named Elliot
Notable bearers include Elliot Page, the Canadian actor known for Juno and The Umbrella Academy.
Nicknames & Variations
Elliott, with a double "t," is an equally common spelling, and the related name Eliot (one "l") is used by figures like poet T.S. Eliot. El is an occasional short nickname.
Is Elliot a Good Name in 2026?
Elliot continues to hold strong, steady popularity, valued for its gentle sound and its status as a softer alternative to more common biblical names like Elijah.