Elisha is a rare and unique Hebrew name that holds significant historical and spiritual meaning. Its origin can be traced back to ancient times when it was given to prominent figures in the Bible.
The name Elisha comes from the Hebrew word "Elishah," which means "God is salvation." It comprises two elements: "El" (which signifies God) and "Yasha" (meaning salvation or deliverance). Thus, the name Elisha reflects a deep connection with divine protection and assistance.
In the Bible, Elisha was the successor to the prophet Elijah. He performed numerous miracles, including healing the sick, feeding thousands, and raising the dead. His life and deeds are chronicled in the Books of Kings (2 Kings 3:1 – 2 Kings 13:25). Due to his faithful service to God and his extraordinary accomplishments, Elisha's name has become synonymous with devotion and divine favor.
Despite its biblical roots, Elisha is not a commonly used name today. However, it remains an intriguing choice for parents seeking a distinctive and meaningful moniker for their child. Its rarity may allow the bearer to stand out while still benefiting from the profound significance and historical importance attached to the name Elisha.
The name Elisha experienced significant popularity fluctuations over the years, with a notable peak occurring between 1975 and 1981. During this period, the number of births annually increased from 230 to a peak of 624 in 1980. However, since then, there has been a steady decline in its popularity, with only 77 births recorded in 2023. In total, the name Elisha has been given to 14,211 newborns over the years.