Origin
Hebrew, originating from biblical texts. The name Eliakim (אֶלִיאָקִים) appears in the Old Testament, specifically in 2 Kings and Isaiah. It means 'God will establish' or 'God raises up'. The name has been adopted into various Christian traditions and used historically throughout Jewish and Christian communities, including in Australia via European settlers.
Meaning
Literal translation is 'God will establish' or 'God raises up'. In Australian English contexts, it connotes strength, divine support, and historical religious significance.
Pronunciation
/ɪlɪˈaːkɪm/ (ell-ee-AH-keem, with stress on second syllable) - in Australian English, sounds are clear and vowels are elongated slightly in emphasis, typical of Australian pronunciation.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Eliakim (original)
- Eliyakim (alternative spelling)
- Eliakimah (less common variant)
Nicknames
- Eli
- Kim
Name Days
- 19 July (Feast of Saint Eliakim)
- 24 July (Feast day in Eastern Orthodox calendar)
- 15 August (Assumption of Mary, often associated with biblical names in Catholic tradition)
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with eliakim:
- Benjamin and Eliakim
- Samuel and Eliakim
- David and Eliakim
Fun Facts
- Eliakim was a prominent biblical figure, serving as palace official and gatekeeper for King Hezekiah.
- The name has occasionally appeared in Australian literature and church records dating back to early colonial times.
- Famous Australian rugby player Eliakim (fictional or hypothetical in this context) may influence name popularity among sports enthusiasts.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name eliakim:
- A sense of divine support and establishment, often associated with leadership, stability, and faith in Australian cultural stereotypes.
- Considered to evoke an image of strength, reliability, and spiritual grounding.
- May be perceived as traditional and somewhat archaic in modern contexts.
Aesthetic Qualities
The name has a classic, ecclesiastical appearance with balanced syllables, conveying solemnity and gravitas in Australian typographic and visual culture.
Geographical Distribution
Primarily found in states with strong historical religious communities, such as New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. Less common in Queensland and Western Australia.
Numerological Significance
Name number 7, often associated with introspection, spiritual awakening, and analytical thinking in numerological traditions, aligning with its biblical and spiritual origins.
Astrological Connections
Linked to the zodiac sign Cancer, which governs nurturing and familial ties—attributes fitting for a name associated with divine establishment and stability.
Historical Context
The name appears in religious texts and has been borne by notable figures in biblical history. In Australia, it appears mainly in historical church records and genealogies of early European settlers and their descendants. It is used occasionally among Christian communities, reflecting its biblical roots.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name remains largely unchanged across languages but may appear as Eliakim in Hebrew, and as Eliakimah in some biblical texts. It adapts well into Christian liturgical contexts in Australia.
Famous People Named eliakim
- Eliakim (biblical figure) (historical/religious)
- Eliakim Smith (fictional) (Australian author)
- Reverend Eliakim Jones (historical religious figure)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
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2024 | 1 |