Elihu Name Meaning & Details
Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Elihu
Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name ELIHU. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.
Name
Elihu
Gender
Male
Origin
Hebrew
Lucky Number
1
Meaning of the Name
Elihu means 'My God is He' in Hebrew, expressing devotion and recognition of divine authority. This name reflects a declaration of faith and relationship with God, particularly associated with the biblical figure who defended God's righteousness.
Complete Numerology Analysis
Your Numerology Number
Based on Pythagorean Numerology System
Ruling Planet
Sun
Positive Nature
Leaders, ambitious, highly driven, self-reliant, innovative.
Negative Traits
Overly aggressive, domineering, impatient, selfish.
Lucky Colours
Red, orange, gold.
Lucky Days
Sunday.
Lucky Stones
Ruby, garnet.
Harmony Numbers
2, 3, 9.
Best Suited Professions
Entrepreneurs, managers, engineers.
What People Like About You
Courage, determination, leadership.
Famous People Named Elihu
Elihu Yale
Philanthropist/Merchant
Benefactor and namesake of Yale University
Elihu Root
Statesman
Nobel Peace Prize winner, U.S. Secretary of State and War
Elihu Washburne
Politician/Diplomat
U.S. Congressman and Minister to France during Franco-Prussian War
Elihu Vedder
Artist
Symbolist painter known for his Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám illustrations
Name Variations & International Equivalents
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Cultural & Historical Significance
Beyond religious contexts, the name gained substantial historical importance through several influential Americans. Elihu Yale's legacy as the benefactor of what became Yale University gave the name academic prestige, while Elihu Root's Nobel Peace Prize and distinguished political career associated it with statesmanship and international diplomacy. Elihu Washburne's service during the Franco-Prussian War and Elihu Vedder's artistic achievements further enriched the name's cultural portfolio, creating a multifaceted legacy spanning education, politics, and the arts.
Extended Personality Analysis
The name Elihu evokes personality traits of intellectual depth, moral conviction, and articulate wisdom, directly reflecting its biblical namesake who boldly defended divine justice. Those bearing this name are often perceived as thoughtful individuals who combine spiritual insight with practical understanding, serving as natural mediators in conflicts. They typically exhibit strong analytical abilities and a tendency to seek deeper meanings in life's experiences, often displaying maturity and perspective beyond their chronological age.
Elihus are generally characterized by their principled nature and willingness to speak difficult truths when necessary, though they typically do so with measured eloquence rather than aggression. They value knowledge and often pursue intellectual or spiritual paths, showing particular strength in situations requiring ethical discernment and clear communication. The name suggests someone who balances conviction with compassion, demonstrating leadership through wisdom rather than authority, and maintaining a quiet confidence that inspires trust in others.
Modern Usage & Popularity
In modern usage, Elihu maintains a niche but respected presence, primarily favored by families seeking meaningful biblical names with historical depth rather than following contemporary naming trends. The name sees consistent though infrequent use in the United States, typically ranking outside the top 1000 names but maintaining a steady presence among Jewish communities, academic families, and those valuing traditional Hebrew names. Its usage patterns show particular strength in regions with strong religious or educational traditions, and it often appears in families with multiple generations of biblical naming practices. While not experiencing the popularity surges of names like Noah or Elijah, Elihu's stability and distinctive quality ensure it remains a choice for parents seeking names with substantial heritage and intellectual resonance.
Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings
Symbolically, Elihu represents the bridge between human understanding and divine wisdom, embodying the concept that true insight often comes through spiritual revelation rather than mere experience. The name carries deep metaphorical significance as a voice for righteousness and moral clarity, symbolizing the courage to defend truth even when it challenges conventional wisdom. It also represents youthful wisdom and the idea that age does not necessarily correlate with understanding, as the biblical Elihu demonstrates profound theological insight despite being younger than Job's other companions. The name further symbolizes mediation and preparation, as Elihu's speech in the Book of Job serves to transition from human debate to divine revelation, making him a symbolic figure of preparation for deeper spiritual encounters.