Elimelech

Boy Name #2,727 Most Popular Hidden Gem 4 Syllables

My God is king — a name of ancient depth and Hasidic holiness

Jewish biblical

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Meaning & Origin

"my God is king"

Origin: Hebrew

Language: Hebrew

The Story of Elimelech

Elimelech (Elimelekh in Hebrew) is an ancient compound name formed from Eli (my God) and Melech (king), meaning my God is king. In the Book of Ruth, Elimelech was the husband of Naomi who left Bethlehem with his family during a famine and settled in Moab, where he died. His wife Naomi and daughter-in-law Ruth then journeyed back to Bethlehem, setting in motion one of the Bible's most beloved stories of loyalty and redemption.

Elimelech is primarily used in traditional Ashkenazi Jewish communities, often given in memory of an ancestor (as is the Jewish custom of naming after deceased relatives). The name of the 18th-century Hasidic master Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk has kept it alive in Orthodox circles.

Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk (1717-1787) is one of the most revered figures in Hasidic Judaism, known as the Rebbe Reb Meilech. His yahrtzeit (death anniversary) draws tens of thousands of pilgrims to Leżajsk, Poland each year — one of the largest Jewish pilgrimages in Europe.

Fun Facts

Tens of thousands of Jewish pilgrims visit the grave of Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk in Poland each year on his yahrtzeit
The Book of Ruth is the only biblical book where Elimelech appears by name — though he dies early in the story, his legacy shapes everything that follows

Elimelech in Other Languages

Greek Ελιμέλεχ

Hebrew אֱלִימֶלֶךְ

Spanish Elimélec

Yiddish Meilech

Famous People Named Elimelech

Elimelech of Lizhensk

Religious

1717

Revered 18th-century Hasidic rabbi and tzaddik, author of Noam Elimelekh; one of the founding masters of Polish Hasidism

Elimelech (Book of Ruth)

Other

Husband of Naomi in the biblical Book of Ruth, whose family's journey from Bethlehem to Moab begins the story of Ruth an...

Husband of Naomi in the biblical Book of Ruth, whose family's journey from Bethlehem to Moab begins the story of Ruth and Boaz

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 4
Popularity Rank: #2,727
Total SSA Count: 48
Cultural Origins: Jewish biblical
Pronunciation: Hard
Formality: Formal
Cross-Cultural Ease: Low

Alternative Spellings

Elim #4217

Common Nicknames

Eli Melly Melech

Pairs Well With

Elimelech Yosef Elimelech Moshe Elimelech Aaron Elimelech David Elimelech Avraham Elimelech Shimon

Sibling Names

Naomi Ruth Boaz Mahlon Chilion Miriam

Similar Names

Eli Elias Lemuel Isaiah Elisha Josiah Isiah Ezekiel

Playground Safety

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Frequently Asked Questions About Elimelech

What does the name Elimelech mean?

"my God is king" (from Hebrew). Elimelech (Elimelekh in Hebrew) is an ancient compound name formed from Eli (my God) and Melech (king), meaning my God is king. In the Book of Ruth, Elimelech was the husband of Naomi who left Bethlehem with his family during a famine and settled in Moab, where he died. His wife Naomi and daughter-in-law Ruth then journeyed back to Bethlehem, setting in motion one of the Bible's most beloved stories of loyalty and redemption.

What is the origin of the name Elimelech?

Elimelech has Hebrew, Jewish, and biblical origins. In Hebrew, it means "my God is king".

Is Elimelech a boy or girl name?

Elimelech is primarily used as a boy name.

How popular is the name Elimelech?

Elimelech is currently ranked #2727 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Elimelech?

Common nicknames for Elimelech include Eli, Melly, and Melech.

What are good middle names for Elimelech?

Popular middle name pairings include Elimelech Yosef, Elimelech Moshe, Elimelech Aaron, Elimelech David, Elimelech Avraham, and Elimelech Shimon.

What are good sibling names for Elimelech?

Names that pair well with Elimelech as siblings include Naomi, Ruth, Boaz, Mahlon, Chilion, and Miriam.

How many syllables does Elimelech have?

Elimelech has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.

Is Elimelech a common or rare name?

Elimelech is an uncommon name, ranked #2727 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Elimelech

Elimelech is a boy name with Jewish and biblical origins . The name means "my God is king" in Hebrew .

Elimelech is currently ranked #2,727 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Elimelech has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.

Common nicknames for Elimelech include Eli, Melly, and Melech. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Alternative spellings of Elimelech include Elim . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.