Elisha

Origin

Elisha derives from Hebrew, originating from the ancient biblical name אלישע (Elisha), meaning 'My God is salvation'. It appears in the Old Testament as the prophet Elisha, a disciple and successor of Elijah. The name has Hebrew roots and is part of the Judeo-Christian tradition, with historical mentions in biblical texts that are central to both Jewish and Christian faiths. In Australia, the name entered via Christian traditions and has been used predominantly in religious communities.

Meaning

Literal translation is 'My God is salvation' in Hebrew. In Australian English contexts, it carries connotations of faith, prophecy, and leadership, often associated with strength and spiritual guidance.

Pronunciation

/ɪˈlaɪʃə/ (Australian English pronunciation, with emphasis on the second syllable) , notes: The 'sh' sound is as in 'shoe', and the ending is unstressed.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 14 August (Feast of Elisha in the Catholic Church)
• 18 July (Christian feast day)
• 10 June (Māori celebration of Elisha in some communities)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with elisha:

• James and Elisha
• Oliver and Elisha
• Benjamin and Elisha

Fun Facts

• The biblical Elisha was known for performing miracles, which has inspired various Australian Christian communities to name their children after him in hope of blessings.
• In Australian rugby circles, 'Elisha' has become a popular name for young players, symbolising strength and resilience.
• The name has seen a steady rise in usage among Australian Christians since the 1980s, reflecting a broader trend of biblical names returning to popularity.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name elisha:

• Spiritual
• Resilient
• Leader
• Compassionate
• Protective

Aesthetic Qualities

The name has a classic, biblical aesthetic with flowing syllables and a gentle yet strong visual impression in written form, popular in Australian artistic and literary contexts.

Geographical Distribution

While prevalent across all Australian states, the name is slightly more common in Queensland and New South Wales, possibly due to higher Christian population densities.

Numerological Significance

10 (based on the Pythagorean system), interpreted as leadership and independence, fitting traits for the name's character profile in Australian cultural settings.

Astrological Connections

No direct astrological associations, but birth dates in early June or late August are traditionally considered to align with Mercury and Virgo traits, complementing the name's qualities of communication and practicality.

Historical Context

The biblical prophet Elisha is a revered figure across Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. In Australia, the name has been borne by various notable individuals, including religious leaders and educators, and appears in Australian literature and media as a symbol of hope and spiritual strength.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name adapts well across languages, maintaining its biblical pronunciation, but in non-English speaking contexts, it may be transliterated as Елеша (Russian) or إليشاع (Arabic).

Famous People Named elisha

• Elisha Cowen (Australian musician)
• Elisha Varney (historical figure)
• Elisha Cuthbert (Canadian actress, occasionally referenced in Australian pop culture)

Popularity in Australia