From the Hebrew name ×ֱלִישַ××¢ ('Elisha'), a contracted form of ×ֱלִיש×וּעַ ('Elishu'a) meaning "my God is salvation". According to the Old Testament, Elisha was a prophet and miracle worker. He was the attendant of Elijah and succeeded him after his ascension to heaven.
Meaning & History. Variant of ALICIA. The spelling has probably been influenced by that of the alyssum flower, the name of which is derived from Greek α (a), a negative prefix, combined with λυσσα (lyssa) "madness, rabies", since it was believed to cure madness.
Origin & Meaning. Many sources derive it from via Hebrew, from Akkadian/Assyrian, literally translated as "My God has answered me." It is composed of three Hebrew elements: EL, meaning GOD; ANA, meaning ANSWERED; and the Yud, located after EL, indicating first person possession.
