The Meaningful and Versatile Name: Elisha

Elisha is a time-honored name that has found enduring appeal over the centuries. With its biblical roots and gentle, melodic sound, Elisha offers parents a meaningful choice for their baby boy.

Origin and Meaning

Elisha is a Hebrew name that means "God is salvation" or "God is my salvation." It originated as the name of an important Old Testament prophet and successor to the prophet Elijah. In the Bible, Elisha performed many miracles and served as an advisor to kings, cementing his legacy as a figure of great spiritual significance.

Common variations of the name include Elishah, Eliseus, and Elija. While the name is traditionally masculine, some modern parents have also used it for girls, though this remains less common.

Popularity and Notable Name Bearers

In the United States, Elisha has experienced modest popularity over the past century, ranking within the top 1,000 baby names for boys most years. In 2022, it ranked #823, with 32 boys given the name.

Some well-known men named Elisha include:

• Elisha Otis, the American industrialist who invented the safety elevator and founded the Otis Elevator Company
• Elisha Cook Jr., the prolific American character actor known for his roles in classic films like The Maltese Falcon and The Big Sleep
• Elisha Graves Otis, the American entrepreneur who invented the safety elevator and founded the Otis Elevator Company

Style and Qualities

Elisha has a traditional yet versatile style that appeals to parents seeking a classic, biblical name with a touch of uniqueness. It has a gentle, melodic quality that projects an aura of intelligence, wisdom, and spiritual sensitivity.

Elisha is a name that tends to attract parents drawn to names with religious or historical significance. Those choosing it may value its connection to the prophetic figure in the Old Testament, as well as its broader meaning of divine salvation.

Boys with the name Elisha are often described as thoughtful, principled, and possessing a quiet inner strength. The name's built-in nickname "Eli" also provides an endearing, down-to-earth option.

Flow and Sibling Names

Elisha flows well with a wide variety of middle and last names, from traditional to modern:

• Elisha James Woodward
• Elisha Nathaniel Flores
• Elisha Alexander Romero

For sibling names that would complement Elisha, consider other biblical or Old Testament-inspired choices like:

• Noah
• Samuel
• Abigail
• Naomi

Alternatively, names with a similar classic yet distinctive style, such as Ethan, Isaiah, or Levi, would also make excellent pairings.