Elah
Image of Elah
Meaning and Origin
The name Elah is derived from the Aramaic word meaning oak or oak tree. This connection to the oak tree symbolizes strength, endurance, and stability, qualities that are often associated with spiritual resilience and divine favor in biblical contexts. Linguistically, the name reflects the natural imagery common in Semitic languages, where plants and trees frequently serve as metaphors for human and divine traits. Historically, oak trees held special significance in the ancient Near East, often representing sacred spaces or places of divine encounters.
Image of Elah
Name Elah in languages of the Bible
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Popularity Analysis
The name Elah has transcended its biblical origins to find usage in 112 countries worldwide, with notable popularity in Albania, Tunisia, and Israel. Its continued relevance is tied to its strong biblical roots and the universal appeal of its meaning. In modern contexts, the name is often chosen for its spiritual connotations and its association with strength and endurance. In Israel, where the name is particularly common, it serves as a cultural link to the land’s rich biblical history, especially the Valley of Elah, a site of national and religious significance.
| Country | Variant | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Albania | Ela | 81 |
| Tunisia | Hela | 136 |
| Israel | אלה | 311 |
| XK | Era | 358 |
| Croatia | Ela | 409 |
| Poland | Ela | 430 |
| Slovenia | Ela | 492 |
| Papua New Guinea | Ila | 580 |
| India | Era | 651 |
| Honduras | Ela | 659 |
| Slovakia | Ela | 679 |
| Czechia | Ela | 704 |
| Romania | Ela | 717 |
| Georgia | Ela | 730 |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Ela | 836 |
Showing top 15 of 112 records
Biblical and Cultural Significance
The name Elah appears multiple times in the Bible, associated with six distinct individuals and one geographic location. Its Divine Proximity Index of 80.8/100 suggests a moderate association with God, while its Jesus Circle Score of 94.1/100 highlights its connection to pivotal events in the lineage and narrative leading to Jesus Christ. Among the notable figures with this name is Elah, the son and successor of Baasha, who reigned as king of Israel but met a tragic end at the hands of Zimri (1 Kings 16:6–10). This highlights the name’s association with both leadership and vulnerability. Another important mention is the Valley of Elah, where David defeated Goliath, a moment symbolizing divine intervention and the triumph of faith over physical might.
Biblical Context
The name Elah is featured in 14 biblical verses, emphasizing its recurring importance in scripture. It is most famously tied to the Valley of Elah, the site of David's legendary battle against Goliath (1 Samuel 17:2, 19). This location underscores the name’s association with divine strength and faith, as David’s victory marked not only a personal triumph but also a turning point in Israel's history. Additionally, Elah appears as the name of several men in the Old Testament, including a duke of Edom (Genesis 36:41; 1 Chronicles 1:52), a son of Caleb (1 Chronicles 4:15), and the father of Hoshea, king of Israel (2 Kings 15:30). Each instance contributes to the name’s layered biblical significance, reflecting leadership, lineage, and divine encounters.
Divine Proximity Metrics
God Proximity
SNA: 1.09 | Percentile: 80.8
Biblical References
- 1 Chronicles 4:15
- Error: Could not parse format in 1 Kings 16:6, 8-10
- Genesis 36:41
- 2 Kings 17:1
- 1 Kings 16:8