Eli \e-li\ as a boy's name (also used as girl's name Eli), is pronounced EE-lye. It is of Hebrew origin, and the meaning of Eli is "high". Biblical: Eli was a priest and judge who brought up the prophet Samuel. Popular among Puritans in the 17th century. American inventor Eli Whitney; author Elie Wiesel; actor Eli Wallach.
Eli has 4 variant forms: Elie, Eloi, Eloy and Ely.
For more information, see also related names Eleazar, Elias, Elijah, Elisha and Elliot.