What does Elisha mean and where does it come from?
Elisha is a biblical name stemming from Hebrew traditions. In the Bible, Elisha was a prophet and the successor of Elijah. Although traditionally a male name, it has been increasingly adopted as a female name, particularly in the United States. Its biblical significance and ease of pronunciation hav
Cultural significance
Elisha has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of hebrew.
Peak popularity
Reached #373 in 1980 — currently #857 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Elisha?
Elisha works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Elisha Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Elisha Rose
Floral · soft ending
Elisha Mae
Sweet · timeless
Elisha Claire
French influence · crisp
Elisha Jane
Literary · strong
Elisha Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Elisha right now?
Declining — down 36 spots — currently #857 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #857 | 281 | ▼ down 36 · -7% births |
| 2022 | #821 | 302 | ▲ up 48 · +14% births |
| 2021 | #869 | 266 | ▲ up 1197 · +202% births |
| 2020 | #2066 | 88 | ▼ down 328 · -27% births |
| 2015 | #1738 | 120 | ▼ down 151 · -12% births |
| 2010 | #1587 | 137 | ▼ down 221 · -13% births |
| 2005 | #1366 | 158 | ▼ down 277 · -17% births |
| 2000 | #1089 | 190 | ▼ down 219 · -14% births |
| 1995 | #870 | 221 | ▼ down 226 · -36% births |
| 1990 | #644 | 348 | ▼ down 192 · -28% births |
| 1985 | #452 | 481 | ▼ down 79 · -23% births |
| 1980 | #373 | 624 | ▲ up 289 · +171% births |
| 1975 | #662 | 230 | ▲ up 323 · +81% births |
| 1970 | #985 | 127 | ▲ up 291 · +79% births |
| 1965 | #1276 | 71 | — |
The story of Elisha
Elisha entered American naming records in 1914 and has been in use for over 110 years. A total of 28,148 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3885 in 1940 to #857 in 2023. Elisha is used for both genders: 50% female and 50% male.
Names that peaked alongside Elisha in 1980:
Elisha by decade
Elisha peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 336 | |
| 1890s | 256 | |
| 1900s | 216 | |
| 1910s | 554 | |
| 1920s | 780 | |
| 1930s | 538 | |
| 1940s | 503 | |
| 1950s | 483 | |
| 1960s | 861 | |
| 1970s | 3,344 | |
| 1980s ★ | 5,835 | |
| 1990s | 4,420 | |
| 2000s | 5,164 | |
| 2010s | 4,501 | |
| 2020s | 357 | |
What are good nicknames for Elisha?
Famous people named Elisha
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Elisha (historical community leader)
Elisha led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
E(
Elisha (historical figure)
Elisha bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Elisha?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Elisha also consider these
How is Elisha written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Elisha
What does the name Elisha mean?
Elisha means "Hebrew" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Elisha?
Elisha is currently ranked #857 as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Elisha?
Elisha originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Elisha?
Elisha is a three-syllable name pronounced EH1 L IH0 SH AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Elisha?
Elisha pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Hebrew heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.