Meaning & History
Notable Bearers
While the name Elisheba appears solely in the Old Testament as the wife of Aaron, it forms the linguistic and biblical foundation for the name Elizabeth, which became vastly more widespread. In modern times, the form Elisheva is used in Hebrew-speaking communities, preserving the original pronunciation and spelling. Variants such as Elisabet (Swedish), Elixabete (Basque), Elisabeth (also Swedish), Elisaveta (Macedonian), and Zabel (Armenian) reflect the name's adaptation across Europe and beyond. The less common Elisheba is used primarily in Christian Bible translations, particularly in Conservative and some Reformed circles that maintain the King James Version's spelling. It remains rare given name choice today but holds a significant place in biblical stories.
Key Facts
- Meaning: "My God is an oath"
- Origin: Hebrew name אֱלִישֶׁבַע (ʾEliševaʿ)
- Type: First name
- Usage Range: English Bible translations; occasionally as a given name in English-speaking countries
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Elisheba