Elkan is a masculine given name and surname of Hebrew origin, serving as a variant of Elkanah. The name is rooted in the Hebrew phrase meaning "God has purchased," derived from the elements ʾel (God) and qana (to acquire). In a biblical context, Elkanah is notably the father of the prophet Samuel. Etymology Elkan traces back to the Biblical name Elkanah, which appears in the Old Testament as the name of Samuel's father. The name's meaning, "God has purchased," reflects the Hebrew concept of divine ownership or redemption. Over time, Elkan has emerged as a shortened or variant form, used independently in some cultures. Notable Bearers Elkan has been borne by several notable individuals across various fields. Bearers of the given name include Elkan Allan (1922–2006), a British television producer and print journalist; Elkan Baggott (born 2002), an Indonesian footballer; Elon Blout (1919–2006), a Harvard University biochemistry professor; Elkan Harrison Powell (1888–1966), president of Encyclopædia Britannica Inc.; Elkan Nathan Adler (1861–1946), an Anglo-Jewish author and historian; and Elkan Naumburg (1835–1924), a New York City philanthropist. As a surname, notable figures include German-born sculptor Benno Elkan (1877–1960) and Swedish-Jewish writer Sophie Elkan (1853–1921). Related Names Cognates of Elkan in biblical Hebrew include 'Elqana and the full form Elkanah. The root name Samuel, meaning "name of God" or "God has heard," shares thematic ties through the figure of Samuel, the firstborn son of Elkanah. Meaning: variant of Elkanah, "God has purchased" Origin: Hebrew Type: given name and surname Usage: Hebrew, English