Girl · Hebrew · New Testament · Biblically inspired

Elsa

EL-suh · means “God is my oath”

Elsa is a German short form of Elisabeth, meaning "God is my oath." It is not itself a scriptural name, but it derives from Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist, the priest's wife whose years of prayer for a child were finally met with an answer.

“In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary.”

The story behind the name

Elsa has long been common across Germany and Scandinavia and saw a fresh wave of popularity in the United States in the 2010s, drawn along by its crisp, bright sound.

Zechariah was serving in the temple when the angel Gabriel appeared beside the altar of incense and told him that Elizabeth would bear a son who was to be named John (Luke 1:11-13). It was news so unexpected that Zechariah asked how he could be sure.

For his doubt he was left unable to speak until the child was born, but Elizabeth carried the promise faithfully the whole time, later crying out in blessing when Mary visited her (Luke 1:41-45). A daughter named Elsa carries a name of steady faith even when others hesitate to believe.

Middle names that sing with Elsa

Chosen for rhythm and meanings that speak to each other.

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