Eliel

Eliel is a masculine given name of Hebrew origin. It is generally interpreted as meaning “God is God” or “my God is God,” formed from Hebrew elements associated with the divine. The name appears in the Hebrew Bible under various spellings and entered Christian usage in many European languages as Eliel or related forms.

In the Nordic and Baltic regions, particularly Finland and Estonia, Eliel became established as a common given name during the 19th and 20th centuries, reflecting broader Christian naming traditions in the area. It remains in occasional use in Finland today and is associated with traditional Finnish naming patterns.

One of the best-known bearers of the name is Eliel Saarinen (1873–1950), a Finnish architect and designer who led major projects in Helsinki and contributed significantly to early modern architecture in Finland and the United States. His son, Eero Saarinen, also became a prominent architect, further elevating the name’s association with Finnish design and modernist movements.

Beyond its use as a given name, Eliel appears in historical and biblical contexts, reinforcing its long-standing presence in religious and cultural naming practices.