Meaning & History
Etymology
Elisheva (Hebrew: אֱלִישֶׁבַע) is the original Hebrew form of the name Elizabeth. It is composed of two elements: ʾel, referring to the Hebrew God, and shavaʿ, meaning "oath," giving the meaning "my God is an oath" or "God is my oath." The name appears in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) as Elisheba, the wife of Aaron. In the Greek form Ἐλισάβετ (Elisabet), it is used for the mother of John the Baptist in the New Testament.
Biblical Significance
In the Torah, Elisheba is described in Exodus 6:23 as the daughter of Amminadab, a sister of Nahshon, and the wife of Aaron. She bore Aaron four sons: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, who became the priestly lineage of Israel. The name Elisheva thus holds a foundational role in Jewish tradition, representing the matriarch of the Kohanim.
History and Usage
While Elisheva is the authentic Hebrew form, the name became widespread in the Greek and Latin forms as Elizabeth. It was borne by Saint Elizabeth of Hungary (12th century), a princess known for her charity. In medieval England, the related form Isabel (from Occitan and Spanish) was more common, but Elizabeth gained prominence after Queen Elizabeth I (16th century). Since 1880, Elizabeth has been among the top 30 names for girls in the United States, reflecting its enduring popularity.
Related Forms
Variants include Elisheba (Biblical), Zabel (Armenian), Elixabete (Basque), Elisabeth (Swedish), and Elisabet (Swedish). Elisheva remains the direct Hebrew source linking these forms.
- Meaning: "my God is an oath"
- Origin: Hebrew
- Type: First name
- Usage: Hebrew, Hebrew Bible
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Elisheba