Elisha
EL-EE-SHAH
Elisha is a Hebrew name composed of 'El', meaning God, and 'yasha', meaning to save or deliver, giving the combined meaning of God is salvation. It is a deeply theological name rooted in the Abrahamic tradition, expressing faith that divine power is the ultimate source of rescue and redemption. The name carries a prophetic gravity that has kept it meaningful across millennia.
At a glance
A powerful Hebrew name meaning God is salvation, carried by one of the Old Testament's most miracle-working prophets, and steadily rising in appeal among parents drawn to biblical depth.
Etymology & History
The name Elisha combines two Hebrew elements: 'El', the ancient Semitic word for God, and 'yasha', a verb meaning to save, rescue, or deliver. This same root appears in the name Joshua and in the word Yeshua. The name appears in the Hebrew Bible as Elisha ben Shaphat, the prophetic successor to Elijah. It entered the Greek tradition as Elisaios or Elisaius and the Latin tradition as Eliseus, with the English form Elisha becoming established through Protestant Bible translations.
Cultural Significance
Elisha holds a prominent place in the Hebrew Bible, particularly in the Books of Kings, where he performs more miracles than any other Old Testament prophet. His deeds include multiplying oil for a widow, raising a Shunammite boy from the dead, and purifying poisoned water. In Jewish tradition he represents the transmission of prophetic authority and the power of faithful service. The name became popular among Puritans in 17th-century England and America, and has experienced a modern revival as parents seek names with biblical depth and a slightly less common profile than Elijah or Ezra.
Famous people named Elisha
Elisha (Biblical prophet)
Hebrew prophet in the Old Testament who succeeded Elijah and performed numerous miracles, including parting the Jordan River, healing Naaman of leprosy, and raising the dead.
Elisha Otis
19th-century American inventor who created the safety elevator, transforming urban architecture and making skyscrapers practical.
Frequently Asked Questions
Names like Elisha
Elias
“The Lord is my God, faithful one”
Elias carries the powerful meaning "the Lord is my God," derived from the Hebrew prophet Elijah. The name expresses steadfast faith and spiritual conviction, and has resonated with parents across cultures for centuries. Its melodic sound and deep roots give it both beauty and gravitas.
Eliezer
“God is my help”
Eliezer is a Hebrew name composed of 'El' meaning God and 'ezer' meaning help or assistance, giving the meaning God is my help or my God is a helper. The name appears multiple times in the Hebrew Bible. The most prominent Eliezer is Abraham's chief servant in Genesis, who is sent to find a wife for Isaac and succeeds through divine guidance, a story of faith and obedience celebrated in Jewish tradition. Eliezer ben Moses is also the name of one of Moses's two sons. In Talmudic literature, Rabbi Eliezer ben Hyrcanus is one of the most respected sages of the Mishnaic period. The name has remained in continuous use within Jewish communities across millennia.
Elijah
“My God is Yahweh”
Elijah comes from the Hebrew 'Eliyyahu,' composed of 'El' (God) and 'Yah' (a shortened form of Yahweh). The name is a declaration of faith, asserting that the bearer's God is the Lord. It carries an unmistakable sense of spiritual conviction and prophetic authority.
Where you'll find Elisha
Elisha shows up in these curated collections across Namekin.