Eli means in the bible: One High Priest and Judge, descendant from Aaron via Ithamar. He is believed to have been the first high priest in this line. The office was kept by his family until the death of Abiathar 1Kgs. 2:26–27. It was then returned to Aaron’s oldest son, Eleazar. We are most familiar with him because of his involvement in the history of Samuel 1 Samuel. 1-4. His tolerance of the wickedness of his sons was what threw him off his feet.
(in Bible Dictionary)
