Elchanan is a Hebrew given name that means "God is gracious." It is derived from the elements 'El' meaning God, and 'hanan' meaning gracious or merciful. The name Elchanan has its origins in Jewish tradition and has been used for centuries to honor the idea of divine mercy.
The name Elchanan first appears in the Hebrew Bible in the Book of Chronicles (1 Chronicles 27:16). It is listed as one of the names of David's mighty warriors. In the Talmud, there are several stories about rabbis named Elchanan who were known for their wisdom and piety.
Throughout history, Elchanan has been a popular name among Jewish families. Today, it continues to be used by families seeking a meaningful and unique name with strong biblical roots. The name Elchanan is often shortened to Elchan or Chan in everyday use, but its full form remains rich in tradition and significance.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Elchanan has been given to a total of 83 babies in the United States over the period from 1981 to 2023.
The number of births per year for this name has varied over time. The highest years were 2007 and 2017-2020, with seven births each during those periods. The lowest years were 1981, 2011, 2013, and 2015, with five births each.
Overall, the name Elchanan has been consistently given to babies in the United States over the past four decades, though the popularity of this name seems to have peaked in recent years.