Meaning & History
Elissa 2 is a variant of Elisa. Elisa itself is a short form of Elisabeth, which is the German and Dutch form of Elizabeth, as well as a variant English spelling appearing in the Authorized Version of the New Testament.
Etymology
The name ultimately derives from the Hebrew אֱלִישֶׁבַע (ʾElishevaʿ), meaning "my God is an oath," from the elements ʾel (God) and shavaʿ (oath). In the Old Testament, Elisheba is the wife of Aaron; in the New Testament, Elizabeth is the mother of John the Baptist.
Historical and Cultural Context
The name gained popularity in the Christian world due to associations with Saint Elizabeth of Hungary (herself a form of the name), who was a 12th-century princess known for her charitable works. In medieval England, the Occitan and Spanish form Isabel was more common.
In the 16th century, the reign of Queen Elizabeth I in England made the name particularly fashionable, and it has remained a classic choice since. The name has been borne by countless royals and public figures, including Empress Elizabeth of Russia, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, and actress Elizabeth Taylor.
Usage and Variants
The specific variant Elissa 2 reflects the English tendency to use the Elissa spelling. Other related names include Zabel (Armenian), Elixabete (Basque), and Elisheba (Biblical). The name remains consistently popular, ranking in the top 30 in the United States since records began.
- Meaning: "My God is an oath"
- Origin: Hebrew
- Type: Variant of Elisa
- Usage: English