Origin
Derived from Hebrew, the name Elisha (אלישע) means 'My God is salvation'. It appears in the Bible as the name of a prophet who succeeded Elijah. The Hebrew original is אֱלִישַׁע, with historical mentions in biblical texts dating back to ancient Israel. In the context of Aboriginal or Māori cultures, Elisha is not a traditional name but has been adopted within Australian multicultural communities.
Meaning
Literal translation: 'My God is salvation'. In Australian English contexts, it carries connotations of spiritual salvation and prophetic wisdom, often associated with kindness and strength.
Pronunciation
/ɪˈlaɪʃə/ (i-LY-sha), with the stress on the second syllable, following Australian English pronunciation conventions. Vowels are pronounced as in 'kit' and 'ship'.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Elise (French variant)
- Elisa (Italian/Spanish variant)
- Elisha (original Hebrew spelling)
Nicknames
- Elsie
- Lish
- Shia
Name Days
- 14 May (Ascension of Elisha in some Christian traditions)
- 10 August (commemoration in some Orthodox calendars)
- Optional regional celebrations in local churches
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with elisha:
- Elisha and Sophia
- Elisha and Mia (double names or siblings)
- Elisha and Lily
Fun Facts
- Elisha is the name of a notable Australian actress, Elisha Woods, who gained fame in local theatre productions.
- The name has gained popularity in Australian Christian communities, especially among families valuing biblical heritage.
- In Australian pop culture, characters named Elisha appear occasionally in literature and television.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name elisha:
- Spiritual
- Compassionate
- Resilient
- Intelligent
Aesthetic Qualities
Elegant and timeless, the name has a balanced visual appeal with soft vowels and a gentle phonetic structure, fitting well in formal and informal contexts.
Geographical Distribution
More common in urban centres such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, especially among Christian families and those with biblical naming traditions. Less prevalent in rural or Indigenous-dominant areas.
Numerological Significance
Name number 7, associated with introspection, spirituality,v and analytical thinking, often linked to a pursuit of knowledge and inner wisdom in numerology.
Astrological Connections
Linked to the Zodiac sign Pisces or Scorpio, reflecting qualities of intuition, depth, and compassion. No specific birth date associations, but broadly connected to water signs due to its spiritual connotations.
Historical Context
Famous Australian bearer includes Elisha Nanda, a community leader and activist. The biblical prophet Elisha has inspired many Christian communities and is referenced in Australian religious literature. Fictional characters include Elisha Dawson, from the Australian novel 'The Outback Heart'.
Linguistic Adaptability
Adapts well across English-speaking countries, with similar spellings in international contexts. In non-Latin scripts, transliteration might vary, but the name retains its root meaning.
Famous People Named elisha
- Elisha Woods (Actress)
- Elisha Nanda (Community Leader)
- Elisha Cuthbert (Australian-born actress)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
---|---|
2017 | 1 |
2015 | 2 |
2014 | 1 |