אלה

Elah is an ancient and multifaceted Hebrew name that combines natural, historical, and spiritual dimensions. The primary meaning of the name is the terebinth tree (Pistacia terebinthus), a magnificent Mediterranean tree characterized by its broad shade and strong trunk, which was extremely common in the ancient Israelite landscape. The terebinth tree is considered one of the sacred trees in Hebrew culture and is mentioned numerous times in the Bible as a symbol of strength, stability, and deep connection to the land. The tree served as a meeting place, a resting spot for travelers, and a landmark in the landscape. Beyond its botanical meaning, the name Elah also carries a unique theological significance - it represents the feminine form of the word "El" (God), thus expressing a divine and spiritual dimension. This combination of the natural and the spiritual makes Elah a particularly rich name, connecting the earthly with the heavenly, the material with the spirit. In biblical tradition, the name Elah appears in various and diverse contexts. Elah son of Baasha was one of the kings of Israel during the period of the divided monarchy, who reigned for only two years before being assassinated by Zimri. His brief reign is described in the Book of Kings I and represents the turbulent period of the northern Kingdom of Israel. Beyond the royal figure, the name also appears as a place name - the Valley of Elah is the famous location where the renowned battle between David and Goliath took place, one of the most iconic stories in the Bible. The valley, named after the many terebinth trees that grew there, became a symbol of the small defeating the large, of faith over physical strength. The use of Elah as a female name developed primarily in the modern period, when Israeli parents began seeking names that connect ancient tradition with the natural Israelite landscape. As a female name, Elah carries characteristics of stability, inner strength, and deep connection to roots. It conveys a sense of natural and authentic femininity, without pretension yet with a clear presence. Women bearing the name Elah are often perceived as having a balanced character, as those capable of providing shade and shelter to those around them, similar to the magnificent terebinth tree. The name combines gentleness and strength together - it is short and simple in pronunciation, yet deep and multi-layered in meaning. In recent decades, the name Elah has gained considerable popularity in Israel, partly due to its pleasant sound, ease of pronunciation, and the natural and Israeli connection it evokes. The name is particularly suitable for families seeking an authentic Hebrew name that is not too heavy or formal, yet possesses significant historical and cultural depth. The combination of botanical meaning (the tree), historical significance (the king and the valley), and theological dimension (the divine aspect) makes Elah a unique name suitable for a girl whose parents wish for her to have deep roots, a strong Israeli identity, and a connection to tradition that does not compromise modernity and naturalness.

אֵלָה

Elah | Ela | Ella

Girl

No

1 Kings 16:8 - And Elah his son reigned in his stead

In Kabbalah, the terebinth tree symbolizes the Tree of Life and the connection between the lower and upper worlds. The name Elah carries the numerical value of 36, which relates to the 36 hidden righteous individuals upon whom the world stands. The tree represents divine shade that protects the soul, and its deep roots symbolize the connection to the infinite light (Ein Sof).

36

9

Ella Fitzgerald (American jazz singer) | Ella Armoni (Israeli actress) | Ella Lee (Israeli singer) | Ella Daniel (Israeli actress)

אילה | אילנה | אלונה | אלמה | איה | אליה | אליאנה | אילת | עדי

14891 times