Eli was the priest at Shiloh who raised and mentored the boy Samuel, teaching him to answer God's call: Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. Though his own sons failed, Eli helped shape one of Israel's greatest prophets.
Simple and hugely popular today, Eli is a gentle, faith-rooted name.
Variants & nicknames
Ely
Eli in the Bible
Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.