Meaning & History
Elisha (English, Hebrew) is a male given name of Hebrew origin, most notably borne by the prophet Elisha in the Old Testament. The name derives from the Hebrew אֱלִישַׁע (ʾElishaʿ), a contracted form of אֱלִישׁוּעַ (ʾElishuaʿ), meaning "my God is salvation." The name's etymology combines אֵל (ʾel), meaning "God," and יָשַׁע (yashaʿ), meaning "to save" or "to deliver."
Etymology and Roots
At its core, the root includes the element ʾel (God), common in theophoric names, and yashaʿ (to save), which appears in other biblical names such as Joshua (the Hebrew form is Yehoshuaʿ, meaning "Yahweh is salvation"). The full form Elishua appears in the Hebrew Bible, sometimes considered a variant, while the Scriptural figure is almost always referred to as Elisha.
Biblical Narrative
According to the books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings, Elisha was a prophet in the northern kingdom of Israel during the 9th century BCE. He succeeded his mentor Elijah after Elijah was taken up to heaven in a chariot of fire. Elisha performed numerous miracles, such as multiplying the widow's oil (2 Kings 4:1–7), curing Naaman the Syrian of leprosy (2 Kings 5), and causing an ax head to float (2 Kings 6:1–7). His ministry is depicted as a continuation of Elijah's and as a witness against the worship of Baal.
Variants and Forms
The name appears in other language families: the Septuagint uses the Greek Elisaie, retained in the Latin as Eliseus. An uncommon biblical variant is Elishua (meaning "God is wealth"?), but most traditions standardize around the contracted Elisha. In modern languages, the name has taken forms such as French Élisée, Spanish/Italian Eliseo, and Portuguese Eliseu, as well as Macedonian Elisie.
Cultural Significance
Beyond the biblical account, the name Elisha has been used intermittently in Christian and Jewish contexts. It has occasionally been given to boys in English-speaking countries, in part due to its pleasant sound and saintly associations. The name has sometimes been borne by notable figures such as Elisha Williams (18th-century colonial American clergyman) and Elisha Kent Kane (19th-century American explorer).
Key Facts
- Meaning: My God is salvation
- Origin: Hebrew (biblical)
- Type: First name / given name
- Common spelling variations: Eliseus (Latin), Eliseo (Spanish, Italian), Élisée (French)
- Usage: Predominantly in the English, Hebrew, and Christian biblical cultures