Elah

1. Elah name meaning and origin

Elah, a name of ancient Semitic origin, carries significant historical and religious connotations. In Hebrew, Elah (אֵלָה) is primarily understood as meaning 'terebinth' or 'oak tree,' symbolizing strength and longevity in biblical contexts. However, it is also closely related to the word 'El' (אֵל), which denotes 'God' or 'deity' in ancient Semitic languages, including Hebrew and Aramaic.

The name appears several times in biblical texts, most notably as the name of a valley where David confronted Goliath (Valley of Elah), and as the name of the fourth king of Israel (Elah son of Baasha), who ruled for approximately two years around 886-885 BCE. The dual significance of Elah—representing both natural strength through the mighty oak and divine connection through its linguistic association with deity—gives the name a rich theological and cultural heritage in Near Eastern traditions.

2. Elah name popularity

Elah is an uncommon female name in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Despite its elegant simplicity, it doesn't appear in the ranking data for popular baby names in either country, suggesting it remains a rare choice for parents. The name has ancient roots, appearing in biblical contexts, and carries a melodic quality when pronounced.

While Elah hasn't achieved widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, its uniqueness may appeal to parents seeking a distinctive name with historical significance. The name's brevity and soft sound give it a gentle, feminine quality that resonates with modern naming trends favoring short, meaningful names with cultural connections.

3. Variations and nicknames of Elah

The name Elah, with its rich historical and biblical roots, has evolved across various cultures and languages, giving rise to numerous variants. In its Hebrew origin, where it means 'oak tree' or 'terebinth,' Elah appears in different forms including Ela, Eila, and the more ornate Eilah. The masculine form in Hebrew scriptures, Eli, has gained popularity independently, while the variant Ella has become widely beloved across English-speaking countries. In Scandinavian traditions, the spelling shifts to Aila, and Finnish speakers might use Ailo. Middle Eastern variants include Eylah and Aylah, reflecting regional pronunciation differences. These variants preserve the name's essence while adapting to local linguistic patterns.

Nicknames for Elah tend to be affectionate shortenings that highlight its melodic quality. The playful 'Ellie' serves as perhaps the most common diminutive, often used for those with longer forms like Eleanor or Elizabeth as well. 'Elle' offers a sophisticated, French-inspired nickname option, while 'Lala' brings a sweet, childlike quality perfect for younger years. Some families opt for 'El' as a quick, modern shorthand, or the endearing 'Eya' which maintains the name's gentle sound. For those seeking something distinctive, 'Leah' emerges as a creative anagram-style nickname. In professional settings, individuals might use the full 'Elah' but switch to these affectionate alternatives among close friends and family, demonstrating the name's versatility and adaptability across different social contexts and throughout various life stages.

4. Best name combinations with Elah

5. Numerology of Elah name

Note: This numerology analysis is just for fun and entertainment purposes. It is not meant to be taken seriously or as a reflection of one’s true personality or destiny. No offense is intended.

6. Elah name in pop culture

7. Famous people named Elah