Find out how popular the first name Elesia has been for the last 49 years (from 1976 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Elesia by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Elesia is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Elesia.

The history of the first name Elesia

The name Elesia is believed to have originated from the ancient Greek language, derived from the word "Eleos," which means "mercy" or "compassion." It is a feminine name that dates back to the classical Greek period, around the 5th century BC.

Elesia was a relatively uncommon name in ancient Greece, but it did hold significance in Greek mythology. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name was in the writings of the ancient Greek playwright Aeschylus, who mentioned a character named Elesia in his tragedy "The Suppliants," written around 463 BC.

During the Byzantine era, which spanned from the 4th to the 15th century AD, the name Elesia gained some popularity among Greek-speaking Christian communities. It was sometimes associated with the concept of divine mercy, reflecting the name's meaning.

One of the earliest known individuals to bear the name Elesia was Saint Elesia, a 5th-century martyr from Heraclea Pontica (now part of modern-day Turkey). She was venerated for her unwavering faith and martyrdom during the persecution of Christians under the Roman Empire.

In the 9th century, Elesia of Cyzicus was a Byzantine abbess and hagiographer who wrote the life of St. Paraskevi. She played a significant role in preserving the historical accounts of early Christian saints and martyrs.

During the Renaissance period, the name Elesia resurfaced in various literary works and historical accounts. In the 16th century, Elesia Tornabene was an Italian poet and writer from Verona, known for her contributions to the literary circles of her time.

Another notable figure with the name Elesia was Elesia Hayte, an English courtier and lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth I in the late 16th century. She served at the royal court and was a member of the Queen's inner circle.

In the 19th century, Elesia Manfredi was an Italian painter and sculptor from Bologna. She gained recognition for her realistic portraits and religious artwork, which were widely acclaimed during her lifetime (1805-1875).

While the name Elesia has remained relatively rare throughout history, it has been carried by individuals from various cultural backgrounds, reflecting its ancient Greek origins and association with the virtues of mercy and compassion.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Elesia was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Elesia, please contact us.

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