What Does the Name Elliott Mean?
Elliott means "the Lord is my God," tracing back through the Old French Elie to the Hebrew Eliyahu (Elijah). It developed in Middle English as a diminutive form, essentially "little Elie."
The Origin & History of Elliott
Elliott grew from the same root as the biblical prophet Elijah and became an established English surname and given name by the medieval period. A distinct Scottish-borders line, the Eliott clan, contributed the alternate one-T spelling Elliot still used today.
Cultural Reach
Elliott has remained a familiar, well-used name across the English-speaking world for generations, appearing in popular culture from the young boy in Steven Spielberg's E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial to television's Law & Order: SVU.
Famous People Named Elliott
Notable bearers include Elliott Smith, the American singer-songwriter known for his intricate acoustic songwriting and the Oscar-nominated "Miss Misery" from Good Will Hunting.
Nicknames & Variations
Common nicknames include Eli and Ell. The one-T spelling Elliot is equally common, and the name has grown in use for girls as well as boys.
Is Elliott a Good Name in 2026?
Elliott continues to hold strong, steady popularity, valued for its biblical warmth, classic sound, and flexibility across spellings and genders.