Eleasah

#43159 US Recent (Girl Names) #64209 US All-Time

Meaning & Etymology

Eleasah derives from Hebrew roots, with 'El' signifying 'God' or 'divine power,' a common theophoric element in Semitic names, paired with 'asah,' meaning 'to make,' 'to do,' or 'to fashion.' This combination yields interpretations such as 'God has made' or 'God made,' reflecting themes of divine creation or intervention central to biblical naming practices. The name's structure parallels other Hebrew compounds like Elisha ('God is salvation') or Eleazar ('God has helped'), where the initial 'El' anchors the divine aspect and the suffix denotes action or outcome. Etymological development traces through ancient Near Eastern onomastics, where such names invoked protection or providence. Variant readings in transcription may emphasize 'asa' as 'maker,' underscoring God's role as creator in Israelite theology. Overall, the semantics emphasize divine agency in human existence.

Linguistic Origin

Originating in ancient Hebrew, spoken by Israelites in the Levant during the first millennium BCE, Eleasah belongs to a family of theophoric names integrating 'El,' the Canaanite high god later equated with Yahweh in Israelite tradition. Linguistic transmission occurred via biblical Hebrew texts, preserved in the Masoretic tradition with vocalization added around the 7th-10th centuries CE. The name appears in the Tanakh, influencing Aramaic and later Jewish diaspora naming in Yiddish and Ladino contexts, though rarely. Pathways extended through Septuagint Greek transliterations (Ἐλεασά) into early Christian scriptures, and Latin Vulgate forms into Western traditions. Phonetic adaptations remain minimal due to the name's scriptural niche, avoiding widespread folk evolution seen in common names. Proto-Semitic roots for 'El' and '*ʕśy' (to make) suggest broader Northwest Semitic origins, shared with Phoenician and Moabite onomastics.

Cultural Background

In Judaism, Eleasah holds significance as a biblical name in Chronicles, used in genealogical studies to affirm Judah's lineage leading to David and messianic hopes. The theophoric structure invokes God's creative power, resonating in prayer and naming rituals emphasizing divine making of Israel. Christian traditions reference it in Old Testament readings, paralleling themes of divine workmanship in New Testament theology, such as Ephesians 2:10. Culturally, it persists in observant Jewish and Messianic communities for its scriptural authenticity, though not liturgically prominent.

Pronunciation

Commonly pronounced el-ee-AY-sah or el-ee-AS-ah in English, with emphasis on the second or third syllable. In Hebrew, approximated as eh-leh-ah-SAH, with guttural 'h' and stress on the final syllable. Variants include shorter el-ee-ah-SA.

Gender Usage

Historically male in biblical contexts, with modern usage leaning female based on softer phonetic qualities and contemporary naming trends; unisex potential exists but rare.

Nicknames & Variants

Nicknames

Origins & History

Mythology & Literature

Eleasah appears in the Hebrew Bible as a descendant of Judah in 1 Chronicles 2:39-40 and 4:7, embedding it in genealogical narratives that trace tribal lineages and priestly roles. These passages underscore themes of continuity and divine favor in post-exilic Judahite identity. The name surfaces in rabbinic commentaries exploring ancestral merits, though not prominently in midrashic lore. Literary echoes are limited to scriptural studies and Christian Old Testament exegesis, where it exemplifies theophoric naming conventions.

Historical Significance

Biblical Eleasah, son of Hezron and father of Sismai in the tribe of Judah (1 Chronicles 2:39-40), represents continuity in Judahite genealogy from pre-monarchic to Davidic eras. Another Eleasah, son of Elkanah (1 Chronicles 4:7), links to broader tribal records post-exile. These figures highlight the role of such names in preserving patrilineal heritage amid historical upheavals like Babylonian captivity. Bearers symbolize ancestral depth rather than individual exploits.

Additional Information

Popularity & Demographics

Eleasah remains a niche name, primarily recognized in religious communities familiar with biblical texts. Usage is sparse and not prominent in general population statistics, confined to devotional or heritage naming.

Trend Analysis

Usage stays stable at low levels within religious niches, with no broad rising or declining patterns evident. Modern appeal may grow modestly in faith-based naming circles seeking rare biblical options.

Geographical Distribution

Concentrated in areas with strong biblical naming traditions, such as Israel, the United States, and English-speaking countries with evangelical populations; rare elsewhere.

Personality Traits

Perceived as conveying faithfulness, creativity, and quiet strength, drawing from biblical roots associating the name with divine making and steadfast lineage.

Compatibility & Initials

Pairs well with initials like E.L. or A.S., evoking elegance; complements names starting with J, M, or S for rhythmic flow in full names.

Sociolinguistic Usage

Primarily formal and scriptural in Jewish and Christian contexts, with occasional modern adoption in religious families across English-speaking regions; absent from secular or colloquial registers.

Explore more from this origin in Hebrew origin names .