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Home › Baby Names Directory › Elkanah

Elkanah

♂ Boy

Pronounced el-KAY-nah /ɛlˈkeɪ.nɑ/Medium

Meaning: From the Hebrew Elqanah, 'God has created/possessed/acquired' (el, 'God', + qanah, 'to create/possess'); the father of the prophet Samuel; we note the biblical linkLow

In 30 seconds: God has created/possessed: Elkanah is Hebrew. Lyrical, classic, and warm (said 'el-KAY-nah'). We note the biblical link.
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Origin LowHebrew
MeaningFrom the Hebrew Elqanah, 'God has created/possessed/acquired' (el, 'God', + qanah, 'to create/possess'); the father of the prophet Samuel; we note the biblical link
U.S. rank (2024)#10156 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births7 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2019
Total births (all-time)≈ 52

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202419822024

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Elkanah comes from the Hebrew Elqanah, 'God has created/possessed/acquired' (el, 'God', + qanah, 'to create/possess'); the father of the prophet Samuel (we note the biblical link). A lyrical, classic name (said 'el-KAY-nah').

In the U.S. it appears in Jewish and Christian families. Rare, God-has-created at the root, and lyrical.

Did you know? Elkanah means 'God has created/possessed' in Hebrew (el + qanah) — the father of the prophet Samuel — a lyrical, classic name (we note the biblical link; said 'el-KAY-nah').
Overall data confidence 40%
References — Elkanah — Hebrew; biblical

Variations

ElkanaElqanah

Nicknames

Elk

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Elkanah…

Eliezer— a fellow El- Hebrew boys' name
Elnathan— a companion El- biblical boys' name
Eliah— another Hebrew name
Esiah— the same biblical feel
Eliyah— lands in the same popularity range

Explore names like Elkanah

By themehebrewbiblical
By meaningGod / Divine

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Elkanah mean?

Elkanah is Hebrew for 'God has created/possessed' (el + qanah); the father of the prophet Samuel. We note the biblical link.

How do you pronounce Elkanah?

It's said el-KAY-nah /ɛlˈkeɪ.nɑ/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Elkanah a boy or girl name?

Elkanah is a boy's name.

How popular is Elkanah?

Elkanah is a very rare name in the U.S.

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