The name Elisa has its origins in the Hebrew language and culture, dating back to ancient times. It is a variant of the biblical name Elizabeth, which means "God is my oath" or "consecrated to God." The name Elisa can be traced back to the Old Testament and is derived from the Hebrew name Elisheva.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Elisa can be found in the biblical Book of Kings, where it refers to the prophet Elisha, who was a disciple of the prophet Elijah. In Greek, the name is spelled as Elisaios, which later evolved into Elisa in various European languages.

During the Middle Ages, the name Elisa gained popularity across Europe, particularly in Italy and Spain. It was often associated with the Virgin Mary, as the Spanish variant Elisabet was a common name for her. In the 13th century, Saint Elisa of Cortona, an Italian penitent and mystic, helped to further popularize the name.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Elisa. One of the earliest was Elisa Mercoeur (c. 1210-1265), a French mystic and writer who founded a religious community in Paris. In the 16th century, Elisa Baciocchi (1777-1820), the sister of Napoleon Bonaparte, served as the Grand Duchess of Tuscany.

In the world of literature, Elisa is the name of a character in Alexander Pope's famous poem "The Rape of the Lock" (1712). The Italian composer Vincenzo Bellini also featured an Elisa in his opera "I Capuleti e i Montecchi" (1830), based on the story of Romeo and Juliet.

Other notable figures with the name Elisa include Elisa Bonaparte (1777-1820), the sister of Napoleon Bonaparte; Elisa de Fonseca (1590-1638), a Portuguese poet and nun; and Elisa Longo Borghini (1537-1613), an Italian painter and portrait artist.

While the name Elisa has its roots in ancient Hebrew and biblical traditions, it has since been adopted and adapted by various cultures throughout history, becoming a popular choice across Europe and beyond.