Elisha

Unisex
Origin:hebrew
Pronunciation:/ɛˈlaɪʃ.ə/

Elisha: a unisex name of Hebrew origin meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “Ĕlîšāʻ > Elisha,” meaning “my God is salvation". It derives from the Hebrew word "Ĕlîšāʻ > ELISHA".

Elisha is a both name that means "This name derives from the Hebrew “Ĕlîšāʻ > Elisha,” meaning “my God is salvation". Its Hebrew origins reflect deep cultural values and traditions that have been passed down through generations. Parents choosing this name often appreciate its profound significance and timeless appeal.

Quick Facts About Elisha

Quick facts about Elisha
OriginHebrew
GenderUnisex
PopularityModerately popular

Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team

Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.

Last reviewed: November 2025

Meaning

This name derives from the Hebrew “Ĕlîšāʻ > Elisha,” meaning “my God is salvation.” Elisha was a Jewish prophet mentioned in the Bible. He is also considered a wise man and prophet by the Islamic religion. Elisha is mentioned in the Koran as a great friend of Elijah. God chose him to be the second prophet of the Jews, who worshipped Baal, an ancient Phoenician deity. Elisha (Al-Yasa) is well described in the Koran for his honesty and justice.

Etymology & Details

Name Root

Ĕlîšāʻ > ELISHA

Other Scripts

Hebrew (אֱלִישַׁע)

How to Pronounce Elisha

Elisha is pronounced /ɛˈlaɪʃ.ə/(English)

Step-by-step pronunciation guide:

  1. Break it into syllables: El-isha
  2. Say it like: "EL-ISHA"
  3. Practice saying it naturally a few times

Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources

Usage & Popularity

This name has found popularity across english, and hebrew speaking regions, demonstrating its cross-cultural appeal and adaptability.

englishhebrew
Frequently Asked Questions About Elisha
What does the name Elisha mean?
Elisha means "This name derives from the Hebrew “Ĕlîšāʻ > Elisha,” meaning “my God is salvation.” Elisha was a Jewish prophet mentioned in the Bible. He is also considered a wise man and prophet by the Islamic religion. Elisha is mentioned in the Koran as a great friend of Elijah. God chose him to be the second prophet of the Jews, who worshipped Baal, an ancient Phoenician deity. Elisha (Al-Yasa) is well described in the Koran for his honesty and justice.". The name comes from Ĕlîšāʻ > ELISHA. In its original form, the name derives from Ĕlîšāʻ (אֱלִישַׁע). This hebrew name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Elisha for children of any gender often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “Ĕlîšāʻ > Elisha,” meaning “my God is salvation.” Elisha was a Jewish prophet mentioned in the Bible. He is also considered a wise man and prophet by the Islamic religion. Elisha is mentioned in the Koran as a great friend of Elijah. God chose him to be the second prophet of the Jews, who worshipped Baal, an ancient Phoenician deity. Elisha (Al-Yasa) is well described in the Koran for his honesty and justice." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Elisha's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance. The name is associated with qualities like BIBLICAL / RELIGION (SAINTS), reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Elisha?
Elisha is a hebrew name. The name traces back to Ĕlîšāʻ > ELISHA. The original form Ĕlîšāʻ (אֱלִישַׁע) shows the name's roots in its native language. In its native script, Elisha is written as Hebrew (אֱלִישַׁע). From its hebrew roots, Elisha spread to become common in english, hebrew. The hebrew meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “Ĕlîšāʻ > Elisha,” meaning “my God is salvation.” Elisha was a Jewish prophet mentioned in the Bible. He is also considered a wise man and prophet by the Islamic religion. Elisha is mentioned in the Koran as a great friend of Elijah. God chose him to be the second prophet of the Jews, who worshipped Baal, an ancient Phoenician deity. Elisha (Al-Yasa) is well described in the Koran for his honesty and justice." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Elisha a boy or girl name?
Elisha is a unisex name, given to both boys and girls. Unisex names have grown more popular since the 1990s, with parents choosing them for flexibility and modern appeal. Elisha works equally well for any child, letting the person's identity shape how the name feels rather than the other way around. In hebrew tradition, Elisha has historically been given to children of either gender. The meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “Ĕlîšāʻ > Elisha,” meaning “my God is salvation.” Elisha was a Jewish prophet mentioned in the Bible. He is also considered a wise man and prophet by the Islamic religion. Elisha is mentioned in the Koran as a great friend of Elijah. God chose him to be the second prophet of the Jews, who worshipped Baal, an ancient Phoenician deity. Elisha (Al-Yasa) is well described in the Koran for his honesty and justice." carries well for any child, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Elisha?
Elisha is pronounced "/ɛˈlaɪʃ.ə/". This pronunciation follows en language patterns. In its original script, the name appears as Hebrew (אֱלִישַׁע), which helps explain how native speakers pronounce it. As a single-syllable name, Elisha is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in english, hebrew, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with hebrew names, listening to a native speaker say Elisha can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root Ĕlîšāʻ > ELISHA influences how Elisha sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Elisha?
Elisha is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Elisha offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Elisha's popularity may vary between hebrew communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “Ĕlîšāʻ > Elisha,” meaning “my God is salvation.” Elisha was a Jewish prophet mentioned in the Bible. He is also considered a wise man and prophet by the Islamic religion. Elisha is mentioned in the Koran as a great friend of Elijah. God chose him to be the second prophet of the Jews, who worshipped Baal, an ancient Phoenician deity. Elisha (Al-Yasa) is well described in the Koran for his honesty and justice." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among unisex names, Elisha holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Elisha commonly used?
Elisha is common in english and hebrew naming traditions. The name originated in hebrew culture and spread as people migrated and cultures exchanged ideas. The meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “Ĕlîšāʻ > Elisha,” meaning “my God is salvation.” Elisha was a Jewish prophet mentioned in the Bible. He is also considered a wise man and prophet by the Islamic religion. Elisha is mentioned in the Koran as a great friend of Elijah. God chose him to be the second prophet of the Jews, who worshipped Baal, an ancient Phoenician deity. Elisha (Al-Yasa) is well described in the Koran for his honesty and justice." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Elisha into their naming traditions. A child named Elisha will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Elisha is given to children of any gender, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Elisha?
Elisha carries associations with BIBLICAL / RELIGION (SAINTS). These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “Ĕlîšāʻ > Elisha,” meaning “my God is salvation.” Elisha was a Jewish prophet mentioned in the Bible. He is also considered a wise man and prophet by the Islamic religion. Elisha is mentioned in the Koran as a great friend of Elijah. God chose him to be the second prophet of the Jews, who worshipped Baal, an ancient Phoenician deity. Elisha (Al-Yasa) is well described in the Koran for his honesty and justice." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In hebrew culture, where Elisha originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Elisha sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Elisha often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In english communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.

Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.

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