Meaning and history
Eli is a Hebrew name meaning "ascension." In the Old Testament, Eli is the Israelite high priest who takes the young Samuel into his service and guides him when he first hears God's call. The name entered English Christian use after the Protestant Reformation and can also serve as a short form of names such as Elijah or Elias. Famous bearers include cotton-gin inventor Eli Whitney and American football quarterback Eli Manning.